Sophomore center Jeremy Foumena eager to begin Mississippi State career
Former Rhode Island transfer center Jeremy Foumena had somewhat of a winding road with a few turns in order to arrive at Mississippi State. After entering the transfer portal following his freshman season at Rhode Island, Foumena initially committed to High Point before switching gears and signing with Mississippi State.
Then Foumena had to wait a month before arriving at Mississippi State. But his journey to Starkville finally ended in July as Foumena began summer-school classes and summer practices with his new Bulldog teammates.
Recently, Foumena met with the media to discuss his time at Mississippi State and his thoughts on the upcoming season:
Q: How frustrating was it for you to have to wait awhile to get to Mississippi State?
Foumena: It was frustrating as hell, not going to lie. We were trying to get the papers to get down there. It took a month but finally I made it. That time is past me and I am just looking forward to the future. I would say this last week was one of my greatest weeks of working with the team and head coach. We are a team together and I push myself. Guys like Mook (Cam Matthews) really push me. It is great to be here and it’s a great feeling.
Q: How much are you having to try to catch up with?
Foumena: Not too hard. The only thing I’ve seen that’s a little difficult right now is knowing all the plays. But with the defense I’m in. With the conditioning I’m in. On the offensive side except knowing all the plays, I feel like I check all the boxes.
Q: From what you’ve seen so far, what’s going to be the biggest adjustment going from the Atlantic 10 to the SEC?
Foumena: Definitely will say way more running and way more athletic and faster, too. I got to get used to it and the athleticism and those things. But I can do that and like I said, I just have to catch on the plays.
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Q: With three centers in the same class, how’s that process been for you, Michael Nwoko and Gai Chol?
Foumena: It’s good for the three of us and we push each other. We are getting more reps, getting more film and getting more of everything. The three of us are trying to get that spot and the best will get it.
Q: Is it friendly competition between the centers at practice?
Foumena: I wouldn’t say friendly. We’re friends outside the court. But it’s real competition in practice and what definitely builds the position is competition.
Q: How different is this environment for you compared to Rhode Island?
Foumena: I’m not going to lie. The way I am here and the way it was in Rhode Island is kind of the same. It is far from the big city and it is a college town. It was kind of the same at Rhode Island so I’m not out of it here. I am where I am supposed to be. I go to the house, go to the gym and back and forth in between.
Q: When it comes to filling Tolu Smith’s shoes, how can this center group collectively help fill that void?
Foumena: To fill up the post position and have the most production on the team, the three of us have to do the best for the team. Like coach said, we’re trying to replace what Tolu did between all of us.
