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Check out... Inside Southern Miss Athletics podcast

Yes, Southern Miss is trying to actively find an opponent to play a football game against this weekend. That's after UTEP pulled out because of COVID-19. Host John Cox tries to steer you through the fluidity of that situation, plus, basketball season is underway.

Guests this week include AD Jeremy McClain, Head Football Coach Tim Billings, and Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Ladner.

12/1 Basketball Interview....

Ladner:

He didn't think they could start more poorly.
He may have have them wound up to tight before the game, that is his fault.
Missed foul shots and easy shots
Missed 16 shots within 7 feet of the basket.
Got to finish when fouled on the and 1.
He thought they did play better as game went on. They did dominate the class.
It looked as if we played our first game.
Played poor on offensive end, that could be due to no scrimmage games.
Doesn't want to have knee jerk reaction, but may have to look at rotation.
Didn't like lack of intensity at start of the game.
He doesn't want to do too much too fast with the new guys here.
He believes the defense is better than the offense.
He thinks playing a quality D1 team on the road will help this team win.
Jaakson will probably not be available for tomorrow, Angel Smith is dealing with an academic situation, and may not be available.
Pierre is fluid with the basketball, a joy to coach, doesn't fear shooting the ball. He is going to make mistakes, but will be good.

Harris:

Been off the floor for 2 years, was great to get back on the floor.
Biggs have to come out more focused and ready to be better offensively.
The weight he has put on has helped him at this level.

Pierre

It felt great put there, feels like he brings energy.
Growing up playing in the New Orleans Catholic League made him a better player.
He still has a lot to learn.
He has to work at his shot every day.

After Reflection......

I found a few positives that we haven’t had on this team in awhile.

1. Rebounding was exceptional. We had multiple possessions where we were getting 2 or 3 opportunities to score.

2. Depth will pay dividends down the road. We played a lot of guys, more than we ever have in recent memory.

3. We are more talented and recruiting has paid off. Hardy, Pierre and Johnson are all upgrades. Pierre will be very good for us once he figures it out.

4. Size and length with quality post play. The front court (outside of free throw shooting) played well enough to win. We dominated the paint all afternoon.

Free Throws and turnovers are fixable and I believe this staff will get that handled. Defensively we were ok, need to guard the perimeter better, but not bad overall. I’d like to see us get out in transition more and really push the tempo. Our sets were somewhat predictable so we just resorted to throwing over the top and getting layups (good adjustment). Shots will fall once this group gels and they will. Stevenson and Drain must play bigger roles, too many new guys being more productive than them, they need to lead. Looking forward to game 2. I think we’ll see great improvement. TTDT

Women’s basketball

Southern Miss announced Monday the suspension of team activities for the women's basketball program until Saturday, Dec. 12, due to COVID-19 protocols established by the University.

This suspension will not allow for the team to play three games during this period, which includes home games against McNeese (Dec. 5), Nicholls (Dec. 8) and Mississippi State (Dec. 12).

Southern Miss Women’s Basketball Suspends Team Activities Until Dec. 12 - Southern Miss

Head Coaching Update...

Heard from a couple of sources that Kane Womack is making a real push to become the next HC. Also, that it is a pretty much given he brings AD in here with him to be OC. Seems like it is down to 3, Womack, Anderson, and Hall. I say put up a ring, call Mills Lane, get To The Top Talk to judge, and let's have a 3 way free for all, and may the best man win and become HC. Sell tickets, put it on PPV, make some money off of this. Lol

Probable Starting 5 For Men's Basketball

PG Hardy
SG Justin Johnson
SF Draine
PF Stevenson
C Pinckney

Pinckney and Stevenson can rotate depending on matchups

Bench: Mormon F, Malone PG, Harris F, Smith G, Konontsuk F/G, Pierre G

Injured: Jaakson : Concussion Protocol (Took a shot to the nose in practice)

One thing is for sure. This team is much deeper and more talented than last season. How long will it take them to gel? This is a good match today to see where this team is at early on.
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