STARKVILLE — Ben Howland already has a job title: Mississippi State men’s basketball coach.

But Thursday, he did his best to play the role of hype man for sophomore guard Robert Woodard II.

“His body is so ripped. I’ve never had a player in 37 years as a coach that has this body,” Howland said.

The comments on the Columbus native’s physique didn’t stop there.

“It’s unbelievable; he’s like a Greek figure,” Howland said. “It’s incredible.”

As if the thought seemingly came to him on a whim, the fifth-year MSU coach jokingly suggested the athletic department could make a lot of money if they used Woodard’s likeness on a poster. From an MSU perspective, it’s probably a good thing California’s Fair Pay for Play Act hasn’t trickled over into Mississippi’s legislative branch yet and wouldn’t take effect until 2023 anyway. Otherwise, the athletic department would have to share profits with Woodard.

Woodard himself seemed flattered and blushed a little after hearing his coach’s compliment. As it turns out, there is no secret weightlifting program for any aspiring players one day hoping to earn a Greek figure comparison themselves.

“It’s really just in the genes, I guess,” Woodard said, giving a nod to his father, Robert Woodard Sr.

Marketing suggestions (serious or not) from Howland aside, the Bulldogs have high expectations for the former Falcon’s second year.

“He’s our starting 3-man, no question,” Howland said. “You can see the confidence he plays with now … His work ethic in the offseason is a model in terms of what you want out of a kid. He always does the right thing.”

In his freshman season, Woodard played in all 34 of the Bulldogs’ games and made one start, averaging 17.4 minutes per contest. He shot 46 percent from the floor and chipped in 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds a game.

“I’ve been in the gym all summer shooting and lifting weights,” Woodard said. “I’m doing whatever I need to do to prepare myself … It’s a matter of putting in the work. When you do that, you feel confident you can play with anyone in this league.”

The biggest adjustment in his transition from high school to college came after Howland used the 6-foot-7 Woodard at small forward — he primarily played power forward at Columbus High.

“(I learned to) just be able to move faster, stand lower and guard quicker guys,” Woodard said of changing positions.

His game still centers around playing near the basket, but MSU wants Woodard to become a more well-rounded perimeter player. In the 2018-2019 season, Woodard made 12 of 44 3-pointers for a 27 percent clip.

“He’s really improved his outside jump shot,” Howland said. “I think he’s really grown offensively as a perimeter player from when he arrived a year ago to where he is right now. Great competitor, one of our leaders, no doubt.”

Howland expects the duo of Woodard and sophomore standout forward Reggie Perry to become one of the best rebounding tandems in the Southeastern Conference.

“Being roommates with him last year, that created a good bond,” Perry said. “We have each other’s back on the court and are going to go hard each and every night.”

Woodard added he expects to take a step forward as a leader, saying he’ll do whatever he can to “keep the guys motivated.”

“Robert brings it every night,” senior guard Tyson Carter said.

MSU has a home exhibition against South Alabama on Oct. 27 before opening the season against Florida International on Nov. 5 at the Humphrey Coliseum.

Hodge is the former sports editor for The Dispatch.