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Cowbell Corner

What Arianny Francisco de Oliveira Brings to Mississippi State’s Front Court

Oliveira’s path from Brazil to junior college success makes her an intriguing addition for Mississippi State.
Taylor Hodges|
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Sam Purcell disputes a call against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena.
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Sam Purcell disputes a call against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

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Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi State added a key front court piece this week with the commitment of Arianny Francisco De Oliveira, a 6-4 forward from Rio De Janeiro who brings something the Bulldogs could use right away: real international experience.

Before she ever stepped foot in the States, De Oliveira spent three years representing Brazil on the national youth circuit.

That meant multiple FIBA events, different styles of play, and a steady climb in production. She averaged 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in the 2021 U16 Americas Championship, then bumped those numbers to six points and 3.7 rebounds in the 2022 South American U18 Championship.

Later that same year, she posted 7.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in the U18 Americas Championship. By 2023, she was competing on the U19 World Cup stage and still finding ways to contribute with 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds.

Those tournaments matter more than people realize. FIBA basketball forces players to adjust to physicality, spacing, and pace that look a little different from the American game.

Players who handle that early usually transition well to college systems, and De Oliveira already has that foundation.

After her run with Brazil, she moved to the junior college level and made an immediate impact at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City.

She played in 30 games last season and averaged 19 points and nine rebounds while shooting 46 percent from the field, 32 percent from three, and 83 percent at the line.

She scored 20 or more points 16 times, including a 43-point outburst against Pearl River Community College. Her production earned her All-Conference honors and helped Gulf Coast finish 22-8.

Mississippi State needed depth in the front court, and De Oliveira checks that box with size, scoring ability, and a resume that shows she can adapt to different levels of competition.

The Bulldogs already have a strong foundation with Madison Francis and Favour Nwaedozi returning, so adding a versatile forward who has played meaningful minutes in both FIBA events and junior college ball gives the roster another reliable option.

Her next step is proving that all of that experience can carry over to the SEC. Given what she has already handled, it feels like a natural progression rather than a leap.

Mississippi State Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker

Women

Incoming

  • Reese Beaty, 5-8, G, Fr. (Iowa State)
  • Aryss Macktoon, G, 5-11, So. (La Salle)
  • Arianny Francisco De Oliviera, F, 6-4, So. (Gulf Coast State College)
  • Macie Phifer, 6-1, G, Fr. (Middle Tennessee)
  • Cali Smallwood, 5-9, G, Jr. (UAB)

Outgoing

  • Awa Fane, 5-8, G, Jr.
  • Nataliyah Gray, 6-3, F, Fr.
  • Rocío Jiménez, 6-7, C, R-So.
  • Saniyah King, 5-7, G, So.
  • Jaylah Lampley, 6-2, Fr.

Men

Incoming

  • RJ Johnson, 6-4, G, Jr. (Kennesaw State)
  • Kendyl Sanders, 6-8, F, Fr. (Utah)
  • Tajuan Simpkins, 6-4, G, (Seton Hall)

Outgoing

  • Gai Chol, 7-0, C, Jr.
  • Jamarion Davis-Fleming, 6-10, F, Fr.
  • Dellquan Warren, 6-2, G, So.
  • Amier Ali, 6-8, G/F, So.
  • Sergej Macura, 6-9, F, So.
  • Brandon Walker, 6-8, F, Sr.
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Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas, but he was taken to Razorback pep rallies at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth before he could walk. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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