The University of Mississippi Athletics
Sanders Fits into Rebels? Recipe
1/29/2007 | Men's Basketball
By Brooks Smith
Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant
Whether it's on the basketball court or in the kitchen, having the right ingredients is the first step in achieving ultimate success.
For the Ole Miss basketball squad, Clarence Sanders has proven that he fits into the recipe.
A senior guard from Phenix City, Ala., Sanders is known for his "fall-away, legs kicked" shooting stroke. Described by some opposing coaches as a "streaky" shooter, Sanders loves to make the big shot.
"It motivates me when people say I'm a streak' shooter," Sanders said. "I want to make every shot I take so that I can prove the doubters wrong."
One team that should know all about his shooting touch is Tennessee. Last year, Sanders scored a career-high 29 points and made seven treys in an Ole Miss loss at Knoxville. This season, Sanders returned the favor by dropping 20 points on the Volunteers in an 83-69 Ole Miss win on January 24.
Tennessee is not the only team in the SEC feeling the wrath of Sanders. He is currently leading the Rebels in scoring against SEC opponents by posting 14.6 points per game. Overall, he is averaging 15.3 points per game this year.
His shooting numbers have also been on the rise this season. Sanders is shooting 41.3 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from downtown Oxford and 79.4 percent from the foul line.
Not only is Sanders sizzling for the Rebels, he can also make things sizzle in the kitchen.
"I love to cook," he said. "I prepared a big Thanksgiving feast for my family this year. We had it all. Turkey, dressing, greens, butter beans, gravy, you name it and I fixed it."
Backing away from the table and looking ahead to the rest of this season, Sanders believes the Rebels can go deep into postseason play.
"Coach Kennedy has been trying to change our mindset ... helping us to become winners," Sanders said. "If we stay hungry and stay focused, I think that the sky is the limit for our team."
Sanders is determined to end his career at Ole Miss on a good note.
"I thought that I could have worked harder last year," said Sanders of his junior season. "One of my goals for this season was to be able to tell Coach Kennedy that I gave it my all at the end of the year."
Ole Miss will get to enjoy the sweet aroma of March Madness if Sanders and his Rebel teammates can follow the recipe for success into the NCAA Tournament.
"Coach has laid the foundation for us," said Sanders. "It's our turn to go out there and get the job done."
