Jackson Free Press

Near the end of each basketball season for the past nine years, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has honored the top men's basketball player with the Howell Award. The trophy is named after Mississippi State great Bailey Howell.

The award won't be given out until next year, but it is never too early to look at potential contenders. Here are the players I think might make the finalist list, in no particular order.

Marshall Henderson, The University of Mississippi

Henderson is the first player from Ole Miss to win the award in 2013 and could repeat as winner. The Rebels guard would likely have to really top his play from last year after his postseason off-the-court behavior. Ole Miss temporarily kicked Henderson off the team, and he has sat out one game already. He will miss a couple of SEC contests coming up as well. Currently, Henderson is averaging 18.3 points per game, and his career-high 39 points and 10-for-23 three-point shooting helped Ole Miss nearly upset Oregon.

Gavin Ware and Craig Sword, Mississippi State University

Last season, both Gavin Ware and Craig Sword made the SEC All-Freshman team. Both these players will be in the mix for the Howell Award if Mississippi State is in contention for some type of postseason tournament.

Ware is currently averaging 10.8 points per game for the MSU Bulldogs. Sword is leading the team in scoring with 15.3 points per game and had a game-high 24 points in an overtime win against Loyola (IL).

Julysses Nobles, Jackson State University

Nobles is a transfer from Arkansas eligible to play this season for Jackson State. At press time, Nobles was Jackson State's leading scorer, averaging 17.1 points per game. Nobles was instrumental in the Tigers' three wins so far this season. Against Air Force, he put up 16 points and sank the two game-winning free throws; and, against Tennessee-Martin, Nobles had 17 points and five assists.

LeAntwan Luckett, Alcorn State University

Luckett is the only player from a Mississippi SWAC team named to the Preseason All-SWAC team. The sophomore guard for Alcorn State joined the second team during the SWAC preseason honors. Luckett was a big part of two of the three Braves wins this season. He had 14 points in Alcorn's win over Tougaloo, and he led the Braves with 20 points in a win over Mississippi College. Currently, Luckett is leading Alcorn State in scoring with 14.2 points per game.