Mississippi State men’s basketball has been a middle-of-the-road team during head coach Ben Howland’s tenure. In six seasons with Howland at the helm, MSU has made the postseason three times, including one NCAA Tournament and two National Invitation Tournament appearances.
MSU’s record in Southeastern Conference play under Howland is 51-57, including last season’s 8-10 showing.
Key departures: D.J. Stewart, Jr., Abdul Ado.
After a successful NBA Summer League, Stewart signed with the Miami Heat, but he was waived on Oct. 16. Ado left MSU for the University of Cincinnati in the spring as a graduate transfer.