If there were ever an example of how fleeting success can be and how quickly a program can go from consistent contender to forgotten aftermath, such a case would be the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
That feeling isn’t uncommon for a program that doesn’t count itself as a blueblood. Back in the day, State hired Richard Williams, who turned the program into an SEC contender and Final Four level school over 10 years. His assistant, Rick Stansbury, took over after Williams resigned and continued a run of success. Over 18 years, the Bulldogs found themselves in the NCAA Tournament 9 times, including six trips over eight seasons.