Anwar Helps Dawgs Prep For Gators
March 08, 2023 | Men's Basketball, Joel Coleman
MSU assistant has been studying a new-look Florida team.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – When Mississippi State begins play in the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Thursday, the Bulldogs will square off with a Florida team that looks much different than the Gator group that came to Humphrey Coliseum back in January. Fortunately for MSU, they've got a veteran assistant coach who's done his homework to make sure the Dawgs are prepared for whatever the Gators throw their way.
MSU assistant coach David Anwar has led State's scouting efforts headed into Thursday's matchup. One of Anwar's primary tasks has been identifying how Florida has changed since the Bulldogs saw the Gators back in January given how their leading scorer and rebounder – center Colin Castleton – hasn't played since fracturing his hand in a game last month.
"Over the last five games, [Florida has] changed tremendously, so we're really focusing on those last five games," Anwar said.
Florida has gone just 2-3 since losing Castleton, but the Gators enter Thursday feeling good about themselves after winning two in a row to close out the regular season. Playing smaller without the services of their big man, Florida has seemingly started to get more comfortable.
In head coach Chris Jans' media session on Tuesday, he referenced Florida's recent adjustments and how well things have started to click for the Gators.
"They've done an excellent job of reinventing themselves," Jans said. "That's a big hit [losing Castleton to injury], but they've handled it flawlessly. Their kids are playing with a lot of confidence.
"They're in a really good space right now. What our guys can't do is look at [Florida] like, 'Oh, they don't have Castleton. Now, it should be easier.' We're doing our darndest to get [our team] to understand that's got to be the furthest thing from your mind. We need to focus on the [Gators] that are playing, how good they are, what they're running and trying to do the best job we can to stop them."
Anwar's work has played a huge part in getting that message across. He's familiarized himself with how the Gators have utilized their personnel of late, as well as their sets, how they run them and how MSU should guard them. He's done a masterful job, but he's quick to point out, he's had plenty of help.
"I work with a lot of really good guys," Anwar said. "They all help. It's not just me. Then, Coach Jans always puts his main input into the scout."
Indeed, it's a group effort. That should come as no surprise though. Mississippi State's success all year has been built upon a foundation of contributions from everyone.
Behind the scenes, Anwar, fellow assistants James Miller and George Brooks, along with the rest of the staff, trainers and managers have all played a part to make Jans' first season in Maroon and White a memorable one.
The players have followed suit on the court. You never know who'll have the big game or make the pivotal play on any given night.
"It's funny, I was watching them practice [Wednesday] and every guy has his day in practice when he plays really well," Anwar said. "We've got a lot of weapons and guys that come in and can do things and step up in big moments."
It's been a winning recipe that has MSU knocking on the door of an NCAA Tournament appearance. This week in Nashville, State will try to kick that door down.
As the Bulldogs get ready to try and bust through, they'll be fully prepared in their quest to start off on the right foot thanks in large part to the study of Anwar.
