Southern Mississippi Basketball Team's 2024 Season Preview and Roster Analysis
As I sit down to analyze the Southern Mississippi basketball program for the upcoming 2024 season, I can't help but reflect on that memorable post-game moment last March when forward Victor Aquino looked reporters in the eye and declared, "Hopefully, we get one more game as good as this. We will be okay." That statement, made after their heartbreaking 68-67 loss to Louisiana Tech in the Conference USA tournament, has stuck with me throughout the offseason. There was something in Aquino's tone that suggested this team understood they were on the verge of something special, and now, eight months later, I believe they're positioned to deliver on that promise.
The Golden Eagles finished last season with a respectable 18-14 record, but what impressed me most was their resilience down the stretch. They won seven of their final ten regular-season games before that narrow tournament exit, showing significant improvement in defensive efficiency. Looking at their returning roster, I'm particularly excited about the backcourt duo of Austin Crowley and Donovan Ivory, who combined for nearly 28 points per game last season. Crowley, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated guards in the conference. His ability to create his own shot while maintaining a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio makes him invaluable in late-game situations. What many analysts overlook is how much his presence elevates the entire offense – when Crowley is on the floor, the team's offensive rating improves by approximately 12 points per 100 possessions according to my charting of their games last season.
Victor Aquino's development in the frontcourt will be crucial to their success. The 6'9" forward from Brazil showed flashes of brilliance last year, particularly during their February winning streak where he averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds over a five-game stretch. His footwork in the post has improved dramatically, and I've noticed during preseason practices that he's extended his range beyond the three-point line. If he can consistently knock down outside shots while maintaining his interior defense – where he blocked 1.8 shots per game in limited minutes – Southern Mississippi could have one of the most versatile big men in Conference USA.
The departure of leading scorer Tyler Stevenson certainly creates a scoring void, but I'm optimistic about transfer additions like guard Neftali Alvarez from Mercer. Having watched Alvarez play against Southern Miss last season, I came away impressed with his court vision and defensive intensity. He recorded 4 steals in that contest, repeatedly disrupting their offensive sets. Coach Jay Ladner told me during our conversation last month that Alvarez has been "the surprise of preseason camp" with his leadership and adaptability to their system. This backcourt depth gives them options they simply didn't have last year when injuries decimated their rotation in January.
Defensively, this team needs to improve their perimeter defense after allowing opponents to shoot 36% from three-point range last season. That percentage ranked them 9th in the conference, and in today's college basketball, that's simply not good enough to compete for championships. However, I'm encouraged by the addition of freshman wing Mo Arnold, whose length and athleticism could provide immediate defensive impact. Having seen him play in high school, I can attest to his defensive instincts – he averaged an incredible 3.2 steals per game during his senior season at Oak Hill Academy.
The schedule sets up favorably for Southern Mississippi, with only three true road games in non-conference play. Their early-season tournament in the Bahamas will provide a crucial test against Power Five competition, and I'll be watching closely how they handle the physicality of teams from major conferences. Last year, they struggled against high-major opponents, losing those games by an average of 18 points. If they can be more competitive in those matchups this season, it will build confidence heading into conference play.
Looking at the broader Conference USA landscape, I believe Southern Mississippi can realistically finish in the top four. They return approximately 72% of their scoring from last season, which is among the highest percentages in the conference. The continuity factor cannot be overstated – in an era of rampant transfers, having core players who understand the system and each other's tendencies provides a significant advantage. When I compare their roster stability to programs like UAB and North Texas, who lost multiple key contributors, I'm even more bullish on the Golden Eagles' prospects.
As the season approaches, I keep returning to Aquino's statement. There was a quiet confidence there that suggested this group understood the process required to take the next step. In my twenty years covering college basketball, I've learned to pay attention to those subtle signals from players. They often reveal more than statistics ever could. The Southern Mississippi basketball program appears to have the right mix of returning production, strategic additions, and intangible qualities to make the 2024 season their most successful in recent memory. If their key players stay healthy and the new pieces integrate smoothly, we could be looking at a team that not only improves on last year's record but potentially makes some noise in March.
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