Good morning! A former Bulldog big man is getting his shot in the NBA after signing a contract to join the Detroit Pistons for the summer.

What else did we throw into today’s Bulldog Brew?

🏀 Jans makes more staff updates
👟 More Bulldogs are headed to Paris
🐶 And much, much more!

🎥 THE DUDES

The Dudes: Ring of Honor. In this episode, we follow Burke Masters from his iconic grand slam to send the Bulldogs to Omaha to his unexpected path as a Catholic priest and now as the Chicago Cubs' Team Chaplain. Reflecting on his college years, Masters shares how baseball instilled values that still resonate today. Integrating his love for the game with his spiritual calling, he finds fulfillment in guiding players on and off the field. Through his story, we witness the seamless blending of sportsmanship, faith, and the unwavering belief in God's plan that defines Masters' remarkable journey.

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Leveling Up. Bulldog men's basketball coach Chris Jans announced promotions for Patrice Days, Dillon Elder, Jovan Austin, and Scott Padgett. Days, Elder, and Padgett have been elevated to assistant coaches, while Austin will serve as the program's director of recruiting.

🗣️ “We have a core group returning for our third season together which is great for communication, synergy and production. Our recent additions will mesh well with our returning staff and their skill sets. I'm excited to see what this team can accomplish for the betterment of our players and our program." - Chris Jans

🔼 Going For Gold. Former Bulldog track phenom and reigning World Champion, Marco Arop, will represent his home country of Canada in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Arop cruised to his fourth Athletics Canada title in the 800m with a time of 1:43.71 to punch his ticket to Paris.

🔼 Strong Finish. After making the cut at the European Amateur, Bulldog men’s golfer Josep Serra climbed 23 spots in the final round to finish in a tie for 12th. In the last round, Serra fired a 4-under par 68 — his best round across the four days, to finish the tournament 3-under. Serra was just one of 21 golfers to finish the tournament under par.

🔼 State to the Show. As the MLB season reaches its halfway point, let’s check in on how some of the former Diamond Dawgs have been performing:

⚾️ Jordan Westburg is hitting an impressive .310 at the plate over the last seven games and is having an incredible season with the Baltimore Orioles with a .286 batting average with 82 hits and 48 RBI.

⚾️ Brent Rooker is continuing his hot streak, hitting safely in eight of the last nine games, and is batting .261 with 14 home runs this season.

⚾️ Nathaniel Lowe is hitting .308 over his last seven games with the Texas Rangers.

📚️ Read more about the former Bulldogs across professional baseball

☀️ BOOK YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS!

Let the good times (continue to) roll. And there's nobody better to help plan that last-minute vacation getaway before fall sports start up in Starkville than our friends at MSU’s favorite beach vacation provider—Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals!

Enjoy the famous white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, or take a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Family-friendly attractions, fun festivals, and events are always happening in the area. And when you’re ready for some downtime, relax and enjoy the fantastic amenities you will find in a beautiful Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals condo or beach house!

Now is the time to plan that getaway vacation you have been waiting to take! Check out the specials and promotions happening right now, visit them online, or call 800-211-7892 to reserve your perfect slice of paradise today!

🤔 BULLDOG TRIVIA

Last Stand. The final final college baseball rankings were released following the conclusion of the 2024 season. Can you guess the highest ranking the Diamond Dawgs received?

Think you got it? Scroll to the bottom of the Bulldog Brew to see if you know your stuff!

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📆 LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, August 31

🏈 Football vs. Eastern Kentucky @ 5:00pm in Starkville, MS

🐶 Click here to see the full Mississippi State Athletics Calendar

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: No. 17!

DI Baseball America ranked the Bulldogs 17th in their final rankings. The Diamond Dawgs were also placed No. 20 (USA Today), No. 22 (DIBaseball) and No. 23 (NCBWA).

🐶 Have a great Monday, y'all!