STARKVILLE – Madison Francis still looks like Mississippi State’s best player, in case you were wondering.
Francis led the Bulldogs in points, steals, minutes and blocked shots and was second in rebounds last season as a freshman. The 6’ 2 forward moves smooth with the ball in hand, can stretch outside and hit the 3 when she needs to. She also dominates the paint, skills that were all on display at Thursday’s women’s basketball open practice.
The practice, a relaxed vibe featuring 3-on-3 drills against scout team players and Sam Purcell color commentating to the crowd in attendance, was the first real look MSU’s 2026-27 roster featuring just three returners.
Francis, one of those three, stood out.
“Madison Francis is clearly one of the best players in the country,” Purcell said to a raucous applause. “Shout out to you all who showed her love because she came back here for you.”
Francis’ handles looked effortless on drills where she had to drive with the ball. When she got set up in the paint, the part of the floor she ruled all last season, Francis controlled the area, scoring and rebounding with ease during the session.
It looks like Francis will be playing at her elite level yet again her sophomore season. Here’s what else we learned.
Point guards
We’re too far out from the season to know what State’s starting five will look like, but we do know who will be handling the rock.
Purcell said junior Tootie Lockett and sophomore Reese Beaty, who both ran the point in transition drills, will be the main point guards for State next season. Lockett, a Starkville native came back home through the portal from Itawamba Community College and Beaty by way of Iowa State.
Beaty averaged 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds with the Cyclones last season. Lockett had a standout season in the community college ranks last year, averaging nearly 15 points and five rebounds a game at Itawamba.
More to come?
Purcell admitted his roster isn’t taller than last year’s team, but said there is still a chance the Bulldogs had some height.
He said MSU is on” two kids who are waiting for their visas to be approved.
“They could possibly join the team,” Purcell said. “If not, we’re still in a great situation.”
Purcell isn’t a stranger to international recruiting. MSU’s roster hosts three players from outside the United States, including Arianny Francisco de Oliveira, the No.1 junior college player in this year’s portal cycle.
Nwaedozi’s knee
Although it seems to be a non-issue, senior forward Favour Nwaedozi spent much of Thursday on the medical table.
Purcell said she was dealing with swelling in her knee, and it wasn’t worth the risk of practicing her now.
The knee didn’t seem to be too much of a problem for Nwaedozi. She spent some time on the stationary bike and was smiling throughout much of the practice. She did spend the Q&A portion of the practice with a sleeve on her right knee.
Jake is the Mississippi State athletics reporter for The Dispatch.
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