I spoke earlier today with Ole Miss basketball coach Andy Kennedy. The main subject was a story I'm doing about one of his players, Terrico White, and MSU's Jarvis Varnado, both of whom are playing for Team USA in separate international tournaments. White's on the 19U team, Varnado's on the World University Games squad.

I asked Kennedy about MSU, which looks to be the favorite to win the SEC, especially if Renardo Sidney is cleared by the NCAA. Kennedy rattled off State's strengths: last season's finish, Dee Bost at point, senior Barry Stewart ("seems like he's been there forever"), Varnado, etc.

Kennedy was in Colorado Springs earlier this week watching White and Varnado's teams practice. The two squads scrimmaged each other Monday. Of Varnado, he said, "I really believe when you look at Jarvis Varnado, not only in our league, but I think he’s one of the most impactful guys in the country on the defensive end of the floor."

Kennedy likes Varnado's offensive game, too. Varnado has said he expects to open up his arsenal this year. "He was a very difficult matchup last year. He was so long and athletic, and they did such a good job extending the floor," Kennedy said.

Ole Miss actually played Varnado well last season. In two games – the series was split – Varnado scored a total of 17 points (6-of-12 shooting) with 21 rebounds and three blocked shots.