Fountain true to word, signs with the Bulldogs

Derek Fountain proved to be a man of his word.

After committing to the Mississippi State men’s basketball program late last week, Fountain said he would be signing with the Bulldogs within a few days.

On Monday, MSU announced that Fountain had indeed sign his National Letter of Intent during the summer signing period.

The 6-8 forward from Holly Springs will be a freshman for the 2020-21 Bulldogs.

“I’m really excited for Derek to join our basketball family and for his commitment to our program,” MSU head coach Ben Howland said in a school press release. “He will continue to get bigger and stronger and has an outstanding future ahead of him being only 17-years-old. Derek is very skilled and possesses all the tools. He’s a strong shooter, passer, rebounder and defender who comes from a great family.”

Fountain averaged 23 points and 13 rebounds per game during his senior season as Holly Springs finished with a 28-5 record and advanced to the Class 3A State semifinals. He was an All-state selection, the Class 3A District 2 Most Valuable Player and was listed among the “Dandy Dozen” by the Jackson Clarionledger during his senior season.

He also made the Mississippi roster for the Mississippi-alabama Boys All-star Classic. The Classic was held in Clinton on March 13, but had limited access.

During his junior season at Holly Springs, Fountain averages 16 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Fountain played the AAU circuit for Team Thad. He also was recruited by Fresno State, Oklahoma and Temple among others.

MSU has locked up the state’s top three prospects for the Class of 2020. Previously, Keondre Montgomery of Jackson and Cameron Matthews of Olive Branch have signed with the Bulldogs.

Along with Fountain, Matthews and Montgomery, MSU incoming freshman features Deivon Smith of Loganville, Georgia and Andersson Garcia of Moca, Dominican Republic.