Ben Howland has been around the block in college basketball.
Before arriving at Mississippi State this past season, Howland had stops at Northern Arizona, Pittsburgh and UCLA. Howland took all three previous programs to the NCAA Tournament including three straight Final Four appearances with the Bruins.
Even though he has been successful everywhere he has been, Howland admits there were challenges early on at each destination.
“This is my fourth head coaching opportunity and every first year has been tough,” Howland said.
Although the Bulldogs ended Howland’s initial season at just 14-17 and 11th in the SEC with a 7-11 record, it was the best any of his teams have finished in Year 1.