Delta State University

From Hoopedia

Delta State University is a regional public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta; one of eight publicly funded universities in the state. Delta State is commonly referred to as "DSU".

The Delta State University Department of Athletics competes at the NCAA Division II level. DSU is affiliated with the Gulf South Conference. The nickname is Statesmen for men's teams and Lady Statesmen for women's teams.

History

Under the legendary Hall of Fame coach Margaret Wade, the Lady Statesmen won 51 consecutive games and three national championships, in 1974-75, 1975-76 and 1976-77.

2007-08 Outlook

Preparation for the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball season will hit full stride on Tuesday, as the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen of Delta State University begin fall practice at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Statesmen, under the direction of head coach Jason Conner, will start practice at 3 p.m., while Lady Statesmen will open practice at 8:30 p.m.

Coach Sandra Rushing’s Lady Statesmen, two-time defending Gulf South Conference champions, will open the season ranked No.7 in the preseason NCAA Division II Bulletin Top 25 Poll. Delta State finished last season 28-3 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. Jennifer Rushing returns for her senior season after capturing Kodak All-American and GSC Player of the Year honors last season.

“My girls will tell you they’re tired of conditioning work,” said Rushing. “We have four starters back, including Kodak All-American Jennifer Rushing, off last season’s squad and a great group of newcomers. Practice will be exciting this fall.”

Coach Jason Conner's Statesmen will feature 11 new players this year after posting an 18-10 overall record in Conner’s first season as head coach. Senior small forward Johnny Hodge, an All-GSC Second Team selection in 2006-07, will anchor the backcourt for DSU. Chad Akins, last season’s co-GSC West Division Freshman of the Year, returns to direct one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

“We have a great group of young men on this team,” stated Conner. “I believe we have addressed our needs in recruiting and I look forward to getting them on the court Tuesday.”