Southern Miss Golden Eagles Men's Basketball Players
If you're a college basketball fan in the United States, you've likely heard of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. The team has a storied history of success, and much of that success can be attributed to the incredible players who have donned the Southern Miss jersey over the years.
Here, we'll take a look at some of the best Southern Miss Golden Eagles men's basketball players of all time, highlighting their outstanding achievements on and off the court.
Neil Watson
Neil Watson played for Southern Miss from 2012 to 2014, and his impact on the team was immediately felt. He was named Conference USA Newcomer of the Year in his first season with the Golden Eagles and helped lead the team to two consecutive postseason appearances, including an NIT bid in 2014.
Watson was known for his clutch performances in crucial moments, and his scoring ability was undeniable. He ranks fourth all-time in points scored at Southern Miss and was named first team All-Conference USA in both his seasons with the team.
Cortez Edwards
Cortez Edwards played for Southern Miss from 2015 to 2019 and left a lasting legacy on the program. He was a two-time All-Conference USA selection and was named Conference USA Player of the Year in his senior season.
Edwards was known for his versatility on the court, excelling in all facets of the game. He is the only player in Southern Miss history to record over 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals, showcasing his all-around dominance.
Jerome Harper
Jerome Harper played for Southern Miss from 1987 to 1990 during a time when the program was thriving. He helped lead the Golden Eagles to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen run in 1990.
Harper was known for his defensive prowess, earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors in both his junior and senior seasons. He also ranks in the top ten all-time in both steals and assists at Southern Miss.
Donnie Tyndall
Donnie Tyndall played for Southern Miss from 1988 to 1990 and later returned to coach the team from 2012 to 2014. During his playing career, Tyndall was a standout guard for the Golden Eagles and helped lead the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
As a coach, Tyndall turned Southern Miss into a perennial contender in Conference USA. He led the team to a 29-7 record in his first season as head coach, earning Conference USA Coach of the Year honors.
Tim Floyd
Tim Floyd played for Southern Miss from 1974 to 1977 and later returned to coach the team from 1987 to 1994. He is one of the most successful coaches in program history, leading the Golden Eagles to three NCAA Tournament appearances and an NIT championship in 1987.
As a player, Floyd was a tenacious defender and excelled on the offensive end as well. He ranks in the top ten all-time in both points and assists at Southern Miss.
Conclusion
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have a rich basketball history, filled with outstanding players who have left their mark on the program. From Neil Watson's clutch performances to Cortez Edwards' all-around dominance, these players have helped make Southern Miss a perennial contender at the collegiate level.
As the program continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see which players will emerge as the next greats for the Golden Eagles.
