Johnny Zuppardo Rounds Out the class of 2014 for MSU
Mississippi State and Rick Ray were in the market for the final member of the 2014 signing class and got their man Wednesday when Jones Junior College forward Johnny Zuppardo committed to play next season at MSU.
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"The coaches and location really sealed the deal for me," Zuppardo said of his decision. I've always played in Mississippi and been successful here and I'd like to keep that going at Mississippi State."
"I like the motivation to win. They've got some pressure on them this year and I like the challenge. Playing in one of the best conferences in the nation and getting to compete, I feel like I can give them a lift."
MSU just picked up the pace on Zuppardo late in the process as he and his squad at JCJC ran the table in the National Tournament and won the championship. It was there where Ray and his staff found Zuppardo and wanted him to be a part of the program.
"They like how I can face up, post up, pass the ball and play smart," the 6-9, forward said. "I play with good instinct and have a pretty solid jumper."
It isn't the first time that Zuppardo has been recruited as the junior-to-be left St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis and went to Arkansas State. He would transfer to Southern Miss before making his next home at Jones helping the team to the National Championship.
Zuppardo visited Starkville last weekend and he said he saw "the whole shi-bang" during his trip, a visit that sealed the deal for the talented scorer who averaged 15 points and seven rebounds this past season while hitting nearly 40% of his three point shots.
The Mississippi native chose to stay home and play for the Bulldogs over offers from Washington, St. Boniventure, Tulane and Kent State. He also had strong interest from Wichita State. In the end, it was coach Ray and his staff that sold MSU enough to earn his signature.
"I like how honest he is," Zuppardo said of the Bulldog head coach. "He's a good coach and you can tell he sincerely cares. He's somebody that I can't wait to play for the next couple of years and we're going to win."
