Danberry returning for ’Dogs

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala. — Mississippi State Coach Vic Schaefer had been talking with Jordan Danberry a couple of times a week to see how she was doing while waiting to hear if the NCAA would grant her a fifth season of eligibility.

So Danberry didn’t think anything was up when Schaefer called her in August and asked her to stop by his office.

“Coach Schaefer said he wanted to check on me and see how I was doing,” Danberry said Thursday at SEC media days. “He asked, ‘Do you still want to play? Do you still want to get your year back?’

“And I was like, ‘Yeah, of course I do.’ He said, ‘Well, you got it.’ Then the whole coaching staff started ringing cowbells and cheering.”

The NCAA ruled Danberry, a 5-8 guard from Conway, deserved to have another season with the Bulldogs after she played in six games at the University of Arkansas as a sophomore during the 2016-17 season before transferring to Mississippi State.

“I think we were both in tears,” said Schaefer, a former Razorbacks assistant coach. “It was a special day for us. It’s exciting to have Jordan back.”

Danberry averaged

13.1 points, 4.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals last season while starting all 36 games for the 33-3 Bulldogs.

“I think my all-around game is really focused on playmaking, whether it’s making a play on defense or on offense or making a pass or a shot or getting a steal or a rebound,” Danberry said. “My energy all over the court is a good asset to have.”

Danberry is the only senior for the Bulldogs, whose roster includes four freshmen and four sophomores.

“It means a lot to me to be able to get out there on the court again,” she said. “I’m just glad I get to lead this young group.”

Schaefer said Danberry will play both point guard and shooting guard.