Mario Kegler Officially A Bulldog
By Ryan York
Mario Kegler, a 4 star prospect out of Jackson, MS, officially committed and signed with Ben Howland and the Bulldogs on Wednesday. He chose the Bulldogs over Arizona State, Indiana, Maryland, and Baylor. Kegler ranks 32nd in the nation according to 247 composite rankings. Kegler adds to an already stellar class for the Maroon and White, now ranked 6th in the country according to 247 class rankings. He joins fellow Bulldog commits: Eli Wright (137), Lamar Peters (92), Tyson Carter (91), and Schnider Herard (43).
Kegler is 6’7″ and 225 lbs. He is capable of playing small forward or power forward. He has shown great ability to score the ball from behind the arc as well as finish at the rim. He is considered by many to be the star of the 2016 Mississippi State class. He transfered to Oak Hill Academy for his senior season to play on possibly the best high school basketball team in the country. His teammates consist of Harry Giles (2), who committed to Duke last week, Braxton Key (68), an Alabama commit, and Rodney Miller (92), a Miami commit.
Obviously, great news for Ben Howland and the coaching staff to land one of the nations top players. Mississippi State is making a big splash with this recruiting class, and they may not be done yet. De’Ron Davis announces his college decision on Thursday, November 12. Davis is 6’10” and 235 pounds from Aurora, CO. Davis is ranked at the #38 best player in the nation. He would be a clear power forward with big man Schnider Herard already committing to the Dawgs. Indiana was thought to have the early lead, but the Bulldogs made up some serious ground last weekend, when Davis came on his official visit. The folks at 247 crystal ball give the nod to Indiana right now.
Another player to look out for is Abdul Ado. Ado is 6’11” and 235 pounds from Chattanooga, TN. He is also a four star. Ado shows the ability to play the power forward position or the center position. He has a very wide wingspan and shows great ability to block shots. He also visited last weekend, but Ado is not expected to sign during the early signing period, as he has not announced a decision date.
With the commitment of Kegler, the Mississippi State recruiting class jumps up to 5th in the country. Its highest ranking since 2005. With the 2015 class coming in at 20th in the nation, look for the Bulldogs to be on the national scene for years to come. Howland certainly has the program going in the right direction. Exciting times in Starkville, MS.