MSU adjusting to new coaches in crazy times

As the college football season is almost set for kickoff, basketball is just around the corner and the NCAA is gearing up for a November 25 start.

First year women’s basketball coach at Mississippi State Nikki Mccray-penson has been working with her players in some capacity for several weeks now as they prepare for the season. A talented roster is assembled for the coach and now she’s just implementing her system to run.

The coach spoke with the media on Thursday afternoon as the team continues its progress.

“I know it’s been crazy times – we’re all adjusting to this new normal – but it’s been really refreshing to be able to be on the court with our young ladies,” Mccray-penson said. “I talked early about how relationships were a big key for us and when we came back together, it wasn’t as awkward. All of those Zooms every day really paid dividends for us because I feel like this team is getting closer together and building a bond and trust with each other which is translating on the court.

“We want to play extremely fast. I feel like a speed game is a fun game so we’re talking about the basic fundamentals of how to stop the speed, how to be under control, to where we’re able to get in the paint and finish. That’s a place where we have to be very efficient in the paint. When you’re playing fast, you have to be able to knock down shots so really making sure our kids understand when we get off the bus we’ve got to be able to be a threat to score the basketball.

“Haven’t put a ton of stuff in, but basic fundamentals with our habits of movements offensively and habits of movement defensively. That has to be like breathing. It’s got to be second nature for us and our kids are starting to understand and buy into that.”

Mccray-penson addressed several aspects of the team on Thursday.

Q: How has Sidney Cooks been as a leader?