Mississippi State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are shaking things up in the NCAA transfer portal. They’re aiming to boost their rosters for the upcoming season.
Head coaches Chris Jans and Sam Purcell seem laser-focused on smart recruiting. With the recent commitments of Thomas Bassong and Arianny Francisco De Oliveira, there’s a sense of optimism building for the Bulldogs.
Let’s dig into what these new players might bring to Mississippi State basketball.
Thomas Bassong: A New Hope for Mississippi State Men’s Basketball
Thomas Bassong, a forward from Paris, France, just committed to Mississippi State after a stint with Florida State. His path has included some impressive stops, both in high school and college.
Bassong stands 6-8 and weighs in at 205 pounds. He brings a blend of size, skill, and defensive energy that could shake up the Bulldogs’ lineup.
Early Career and High School Highlights
Bassong started his basketball journey in Paris. But he really made his mark in the U.S. during high school.
He played for Overtime Elite on the Jelly Fam squad and averaged:
- 15.6 points per game
- 4.3 rebounds per game
- 1.7 assists per game
- 1.2 steals per game
He hit double figures in 16 of 20 games his senior year. Five of those games, he dropped over 20 points.
Bassong often took on the toughest defensive assignments, showing off his versatility. That says a lot about his mindset and willingness to compete.
International Experience and College Transition
He also played for France in the FIBA U19 World Cup. His stats there—3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game—weren’t eye-popping, but the competition was fierce.
That international exposure, mixed with his high school success, set him up for college ball at Florida State.
At Florida State, Bassong jumped right in. He played in 33 games and started 17.
- 5.9 points per game
- 3.5 rebounds per game
He shot 49 percent from the floor and 26 percent from deep. His best game? Against Georgia Tech—14 points and 12 boards. Not bad at all.
Arianny Francisco De Oliveira: Strengthening the Women’s Front Court
The Mississippi State women’s team isn’t sitting still either. Arianny Francisco De Oliveira, a forward from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, just joined the Bulldogs after a standout season at Gulf Coast State College.
Her size, scoring touch, and international background could give the team a real boost.
International Achievements
De Oliveira’s resume with Brazil’s national youth teams is pretty stacked. She played in several big tournaments:
- FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship (2021): 5.3 points, 4.8 rebounds per game
- South American U18 Women’s Championship (2022): 6 points, 3.7 rebounds per game
- FIBA U18 Women’s Americas Championship (2022): 7.3 points, 5.2 rebounds per game
- FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup (2023): 4.1 points, 3.3 rebounds per game
She picked up a lot of valuable experience competing against top young talent from around the world.
Junior College Success
After coming to the U.S., De Oliveira joined Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. She didn’t waste any time making an impact.
She played in 30 games and averaged:
- 19 points per game
- 9 rebounds per game
Her shooting numbers were strong, too—46 percent from the field, 32 percent from three, and 83 percent from the free-throw line.
She scored over 20 points in 16 games, including a wild 43-point performance against Pearl River Community College. That’s some serious scoring firepower.
Building a Strong Roster for the Future
Mississippi State’s men’s and women’s teams are clearly investing in their future. Bringing in Bassong and De Oliveira shows the coaching staff wants players who can jump in and make things happen right away.
Men’s Team Outlook
Chris Jans and the men’s team are hungry to bounce back after missing the NCAA Tournament. Bassong’s defense and scoring could make him a key piece for the Bulldogs.
His time at Florida State and with France’s national team should help him adjust quickly. We’ll see how it all shakes out, but the potential is definitely there.
Women’s Team Outlook
On the women’s side, head coach Sam Purcell is putting together a pretty formidable squad. De Oliveira brings height and scoring, which should add some much-needed depth to the front court.
She’ll be joining returning players like Madison Francis and Favour Nwaedozi. The combination of international experience and junior college success makes De Oliveira a player to watch.
If you’re curious about the commitments of Thomas Bassong and Arianny Francisco De Oliveira, you can check out the original article for more details.
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