Sam Purcell focused on taking Mississippi State basketball to next level in year 2

During SEC Media Days, Mississippi State basketball coach Sam Purcell made it clear that he intends to continue building the Bulldogs.

As Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Sam Purcell got the chance to chat with media members during SEC Media Days, the Bulldogs’ head coach made it clear that he has a clear vision for continuing to build his Mississippi State basketball team.

After leading the Bulldogs on a bit of a Cinderella run in year one, Sam Purcell and the Mississippi State women’s basketball team are aiming to continue moving forward.

When Purcell got his opportunity to speak to SEC media members, he showed gratitude for the opportunity to coach in Starkville.

“I’m forever grateful to Mississippi State. In this profession, especially as a first-time head coach, you need one school to give you a chance. Thank you, Bulldog family, for believing in me and my family and providing me with that first opportunity,” Purcell said, according to ASAP Sports’ transcript of SEC Media Days.

Mississippi State basketball: Sam Purcell plans on continuing to elevate Miss. State Bulldogs in year two

The Bulldogs’ head coach also made it clear that he is grateful to have a staff, players, and a Mississippi State basketball fanbase that bought in and helped start reestablishing a winning culture at MSU.

“[MSU’s players] believed in me, the school, and most importantly each other, and together through your hard work we defied the odds to get Mississippi State back on the map and have everyone talk to us nice,” Purcell said.

And now that folks are talking to MSU nice, it’s about moving the Bulldogs forward and taking those next steps.

“Now I stand here before you in year two. It’s now about the next steps. Each one of those steps looks different. But the culture is set,” Purcell stated. “How can we give back more this year? How can we give back more to a community and a state who has given so much to us?”

There’s a lot up ahead that the Bulldogs can achieve, but the Southeastern Conference is going to be a challenge. Purcell’s Bulldogs managed to go 22-11 a season ago. Now that they’re looking forward, it’s worth wondering what they can accomplish this season.

The Bulldogs open November 6 against Alcorn State. Purcell and MSU appear locked in on achieving even more success in year two.