A Mississippi State basketball player that could have a breakout year is shooting guard Timmy Bowers. Bowers could possibly see some action at the point guard spot because of his improved ball handling and passing skills. Adding Bowers’ skill and experience to the equation gives MSU coach Rick Stansbury and his staff something to ponder as they go about two-a-day basketball practice.

“Timmy Bowers was a young freshman whose strength and conditioning kept him from playing as much as we’d like last year,” explained Stansbury. “He also had to play behind Antonio Jackson. Timmy checked in about 165 lbs last year. Now he’s up to 187 lbs. He’s added not only bulk but also strength. That is important.”

“I worked really hard in the weight room this summer,” Bowers replied. “ I worked hard at putting the ball on the floor, working hard to create screens and other areas that I know I had to improve. This game is different than in high school, especially from the strength and conditioning angle. You have to be a strong player to successfully compete at this level.”

The 6’ 2” 180 lb. native of Gulfport, Mississippi averaged 2.5 points per game in limited action last season. He played an average of 7.6 minutes in each of the 23 games he played in last year. Bowers shot 38 percent from the field overall, 24 percent from beyond the three point arc, and 64 percent from the line for the season. His best game was against Georgia when he contributed nine points, three rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes of action.

“Timmy has a great basketball IQ,” Stansbury said. “He understands how to play the game. He’s a basketball player. He is not a one-dimensional guy who can only shoot or dribble or pass. He can see things developing in the game. His understanding and skill level stand out. He has a chance to be a tremendous shooter for us.”

“I want to get more minutes this year,” Bowers said. “I know that Marckell will be the leading player on this team. I’ll probably see some time when they want to give him some rest. My role will really be to help this team any way that I can, and that is what I want to do, help this team.”

Bowers came to Mississippi State with impeccable basketball credentials. He was the Mississippi High School Basketball Player of the Year for 1999-2000. Like so many other high school athletes who have previous winners of that award, Bowers came to Mississippi State. “I always enjoyed watching the Bulldogs play on TV – both football and basketball. My mom and dad encouraged me to come here.”

The recipient of a USA Today Honorable Mention for their All-USA team who also helped lead his high school team to the Class 5A state championship said, “We’ll be really good this year.” Bowers went on to say, “I can see it in the guy’s eyes. We have really worked hard as a team this year. Last year we did not play together as a team. We get together everyday at the Sanderson Center or the Hump and play some pick-up games. We’re together. Our attitude is that of team this year. Last year we had a couple of individuals on the team that tried to push themselves ahead of the team. We don’t have that this year. Personally, I want to be the best player that I can be. My personal goals are not important. I want our team to achieve success. To that end, I want to do what I can for this team.”

If that sounds like a nice young man, it is. “Timmy is a quality young man and a very capable student,” said Stansbury. “He has a strong mother who provided a good home. I am not concerned with Timmy Bowers doing something that would embarrass himself or the University. I couldn’t ask more of him from that standpoint.”

Bowers also wanted to tell the Bulldog fans, “Get ready because we’re working hard this year.”