USM basketball coach Jay Ladner looks back on 2023-24 season

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The goal remains the same for Southern Miss basketball coach Jay Ladner – get the Golden Eagles back to the NCAA Tournament. USM fell short of the mark this year, finishing an injury-riddled season 16-16. Southern Miss loses six players to graduation including leading scorer Austin Crowley. Key contributors Andre Curbelo, Neftali Alvarez and Cobie Montgomery are expected to return. The Golden Eagles signed four players in the fall and expect to add three or four more through the transfer portal this offseason. Ladner caught up with WDAM Sports Director Taylor Curet to recap the 2023-24 campaign, look forward to next season, and discuss his February heart attack and