As I sit down to analyze this season's Southern Mississippi basketball roster, I can't help but recall Coach Aquino's telling comment from last season's press conference: "Hopefully, we get one more game as good as this. We will be okay." That statement has stuck with me throughout the offseason, and now I understand why - it perfectly captures both the cautious optimism and the raw potential that defines this year's squad. Having followed Southern Miss basketball for over a decade, I've seen rebuilding years and championship contenders, but this particular roster has me genuinely excited in ways I haven't felt since the 2018-19 season when we nearly upset Kentucky in the NIT quarterfinals.
Let me start with what immediately jumps out about this team - the backcourt depth is absolutely phenomenal. Senior guard Tyler Stevenson returns after averaging 17.8 points per game last season, and I've watched him develop from a raw freshman into what I believe could be a First Team All-Conference USA selection. His mid-range game reminds me of vintage DeMar DeRozan - efficient, methodical, and nearly impossible to defend when he gets to his spots. But what really excites me is the addition of transfer guard Jaron Pierre Jr. from Western Kentucky. I watched his tape from last season, and his 42% three-point shooting percentage isn't just a number - it's a game-changer for an offense that struggled from deep last year, finishing just 287th nationally in three-point percentage at 32.1%. Having two legitimate scoring threats in the backcourt should open up driving lanes that simply weren't there last season.
The frontcourt situation is where things get particularly interesting, and honestly, where I have some concerns. Mo Arnold returns at center after putting up modest numbers last season - 8.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game - but I've always felt he's capable of more. At 6'10" with a 7'2" wingspan, he should be dominating the paint more consistently, especially against smaller Conference USA opponents. What worries me is the depth behind him. Freshman Donovan Ivory shows promise, but asking a first-year player to contribute meaningful minutes in the post is always risky. I remember watching practice last month, and while the athleticism is clearly there, he needs to add at least 15 pounds of muscle to handle the physicality of Division I basketball. This is where Coach Aquino's "we will be okay" comment resonates most - the frontcourt might struggle early, but I suspect they'll grow into their roles as the season progresses.
When it comes to breakout candidates, keep an eye on sophomore forward DeAndre Pinckney. I watched him closely during summer workouts, and his transformation has been remarkable. He's added significant muscle to his frame and has developed a reliable three-point shot that wasn't there last season. In my estimation, he could easily double his scoring output from 6.7 to around 13-14 points per game if given the minutes. The coaching staff seems to trust him more this year, and I've noticed they're running more sets through him in preseason scrimmages. Sometimes you just get a feeling about certain players, and Pinckney gives me that vibe - he's poised for a leap.
The schedule sets up nicely for this team to build early confidence. Unlike last year when they faced three Power Five opponents in the first month, this season's non-conference slate is more manageable. Games against regional opponents like Southeastern Louisiana and Troy should allow the newcomers to gel before conference play begins. I've always believed that early-season success breeds confidence, and for a team with several new pieces, those winnable games in November and December could prove crucial come March. The Conference USA landscape has shifted with UAB's departure, creating opportunities for programs like Southern Miss to climb the standings.
Defensively, I'm intrigued by the potential of this roster. Last season, they ranked 214th in defensive efficiency, which simply won't cut it in a conference that features offensive powerhouses like Louisiana Tech. However, the addition of several longer, more athletic wings should help improve their perimeter defense. I'm particularly impressed with freshman guard Austin Crowley's defensive instincts - he has quick hands and excellent lateral movement that should translate well at this level. If they can move into the top 150 defensively while maintaining what should be an improved offense, we could be looking at a dark horse conference tournament contender.
What really separates this team from recent Southern Miss squads, in my view, is the leadership. Stevenson has embraced his role as team captain, and you can see it in how he organizes offseason workouts and holds teammates accountable. That intangible quality often makes the difference in close games - having someone who can settle the team during crucial moments. I've spoken with several players off the record, and they universally respect Stevenson's approach to the game. That kind of chemistry can't be manufactured; it develops organically over time, and this group seems to have it.
Looking at the broader conference picture, I'd project this team to finish somewhere between 4th and 6th in the Conference USA standings. That might not sound impressive to casual observers, but considering they finished 9th last season with a 6-12 conference record, it would represent meaningful progress. The key will be staying healthy - the lack of frontcourt depth means an injury to Arnold or Pinckney could derail the entire season. But if they can avoid the injury bug and get consistent production from their backcourt, I genuinely believe they can surpass last season's 15-win total and potentially push for 18-20 wins.
As we approach the season opener, I keep returning to Coach Aquino's words. "We will be okay" strikes me as both realistic and optimistic - acknowledging the challenges while expressing confidence in his team's ability to overcome them. From what I've seen in preseason practices and scrimmages, this team has the pieces to be competitive night in and night out. They might not win the conference championship this year, but they'll be fun to watch and should lay the foundation for future success. For Southern Miss fans who've endured some lean years recently, that's more than okay - it's reason for genuine excitement.
