Mississippi State women's basketball coach Sam Purcell is reshaping the program ahead of the 2026‑27 season, bringing in a blend of experienced transfers and promising freshmen.
A Strategic Overhaul
The roster features six newcomers who have already made an impact at their previous schools, from dominant rebounders to sharpshooters, while two early‑enrollment freshmen arrive with high school accolades that have drawn national attention.
Aryss Macktoon, who transferred from La Salle University, brings a reputation for versatility, having led her former team in rebounds and steals. Macie Phifer, a move from Middle Tennessee State, enters as the eighth‑all‑time leading scorer in Mississippi girls' high school basketball, adding a potent scoring threat.
Reese Beaty, previously at Iowa State, contributed 4.6 points per game last season, while Cali Smallwood from UAB shot 45 percent from the field and 41 percent beyond the arc. Tootie Lockett, a standout from Itawamba Community College, topped her team in points per game and total steals, and Arianny Francisco de Oliveira from Gulf Coast State posted 18.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
The incoming freshmen continue the momentum: Lani Smallwood averaged 25.8 points per game at Albertville High School in Alabama, and Andrea Flores was crowned Tennessee Class 3A Miss Basketball in 2026, signaling a bright future.
Looking Ahead
Purcell has voiced a clear ambition to add height and expand the team's international reach, signaling that the next wave of talent may come from beyond U.S. borders. The coaching staff is already scouting prospects abroad, aiming to blend domestic skill with global experience.
With a mix of proven contributors and fresh talent, the Bulldogs hope to translate this upgraded roster into a competitive edge in the SEC and beyond. The excitement surrounding the new lineup reflects a deliberate strategy to build a deeper, more versatile squad for the upcoming campaign.