'It's Like Christmas Right Now'
November 06, 2023 | Women's Basketball
STARKVILLE – When Sam Purcell was hired as Mississippi State's women's basketball coach on March 12, 2022, renovations had already started on Humphrey Coliseum.
Construction continued throughout Purcell's first season with the Bulldogs with the promise of an updated arena awaiting him and his team for Year 2. That day is finally here as MSU is set to open its season against Alcorn State inside the new-look Hump on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
"We're just now getting in there so for our kids, it's like Christmas right now," Purcell said. "We're in there shooting and just excited to be on that court. There were some sacrifices during this construction as you can imagine. My kids were displaced from the locker room and had to practice (exclusively) in the practice facility…I know our kids are excited."
New grand entrances, a new open concourse and a new brick exterior on Humphrey Coliseum to match the adjacent Dudy Noble Field are just a few of the many upgrades the facility received during the renovation that began immediately following the 2021-22 season.
Although many new amenities await fans, coaches and players alike inside the arena, the first impression the renovated Hump gives off from the outside is awe inspiring according to Purcell.
"Baseball's facility is one of the best in the country and when you pull up off the street, it's absolutely beautiful," Purcell said. "So the commitment by the university to match that look from the paint, the brick and the windows, it just gives it an awesome feel. It's the entryway into the university. So for the general public, a fan or a potential student, that's their first image of Mississippi State and I'm glad it has to be the Hump."
The Bulldogs made history during Purcell's first season, becoming the only First Four team to reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. State went 22-11 last year, including an impressive 14-2 mark at home. Purcell brings back five players from that squad including three starters – Jessika Carter, Jerkaila Jordan and Debreasha Powe – along with a top 25 signing class and the third-best transfer additions in the country.
With seven new players joining the mix this season, Mississippi State will have plenty of opportunities to get acclimated to its new surroundings and continue developing team chemistry with three home games in the first week. In addition to Monday's opener, the Bulldogs will welcome Southeastern Louisiana to the Hump on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and also host Jacksonville State on Sunday at 2 p.m.
"We need some games really quick because there's nothing better than live opportunities," Purcell said. "We've had two closed exhibitions, so I've got a gauge and a little taste. I've challenged our team because we've got some great individuals, but I'm all about putting a great team together. Who is willing to take on roles that they didn't have previously at their other school? What newbies can come in and handle the bright lights? Who of our returners have that DNA about them to step up in Year 2 and provide that same magic in Year 1? The only way to answer those questions is to find out when the lights turn on."
