Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Smith Named Bailey Howell Trophy Finalist
February 23, 2023 | Men's Basketball
by Matt Dunaway, Director/Communications
JACKSON, Mississippi – Mississippi State's Tolu Smith has secured one of three finalist spots for the Bailey Howell Trophy announced Thursday by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
The Howell Trophy is awarded annually to the best male college basketball player in the Magnolia State. Smith is joined by Matthew Murrell of Ole Miss and Austin Crowley of Southern Miss.
Named after Mississippi State legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Bailey Howell, the Bulldogs have captured the Howell Trophy during four of the last five seasons. Quinndary Weatherspoon was a two-time recipient during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, while Reggie Perry earned the 2019-20 and Iverson Molinar captured the 2021-22 honors.
This year's winner will be announced during a luncheon at the Golden Moon Casino at Pearl River Resort in Choctaw on Monday, March 6.
Smith has ripped off double figures in 12 consecutive games fueled by seven double doubles. He has boosted his average to 16.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game over the 12-game run.
For the season, Smith is joined by Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe as the only SEC players to rank among the league's top 10 in points (14.89 – 10th) followed by top 3 marks in field goal percentage (58.7 – 1st), double-doubles (9 – Tied 2nd) and rebounds (8.39 – 3rd).
Smith became the sixth MSU player since 2017-18 and 42nd player overall in program history to surpass 1,000 career points. He also sits sixth in career field goal percentage and 22nd in rebounds all-time at State.
ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi's rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream.
The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit www.MSFame.com or follow the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.
Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets by searching 'HailStateMBK' on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
JACKSON, Mississippi – Mississippi State's Tolu Smith has secured one of three finalist spots for the Bailey Howell Trophy announced Thursday by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
The Howell Trophy is awarded annually to the best male college basketball player in the Magnolia State. Smith is joined by Matthew Murrell of Ole Miss and Austin Crowley of Southern Miss.
Named after Mississippi State legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Bailey Howell, the Bulldogs have captured the Howell Trophy during four of the last five seasons. Quinndary Weatherspoon was a two-time recipient during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, while Reggie Perry earned the 2019-20 and Iverson Molinar captured the 2021-22 honors.
This year's winner will be announced during a luncheon at the Golden Moon Casino at Pearl River Resort in Choctaw on Monday, March 6.
Smith has ripped off double figures in 12 consecutive games fueled by seven double doubles. He has boosted his average to 16.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game over the 12-game run.
For the season, Smith is joined by Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe as the only SEC players to rank among the league's top 10 in points (14.89 – 10th) followed by top 3 marks in field goal percentage (58.7 – 1st), double-doubles (9 – Tied 2nd) and rebounds (8.39 – 3rd).
Smith became the sixth MSU player since 2017-18 and 42nd player overall in program history to surpass 1,000 career points. He also sits sixth in career field goal percentage and 22nd in rebounds all-time at State.
ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi's rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream.
The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit www.MSFame.com or follow the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.
Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets by searching 'HailStateMBK' on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's BasketballFriday, April 17
Thursday, March 12
Monday, March 09
Sunday, March 08