Why Mississippi State women's basketball is a fit for Erynn Barnum ahead of Arkansas return

Mississippi State women’s basketball guard Jerkaila Jordan was dancing at midcourt to the tune of the home band inside Humphrey Coliseum. Coach Sam Purcell was encouraging ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme to, “talk to me nice” during a postgame interview on SEC Network. Ahlana Smith was breaking the huddle in what was her final home game with the Bulldogs

The scenes from that Feb. 23 win against Arkansas last year weren’t just fitting for a team celebrating senior night. The moment felt like a bash organized for a team that had just solidified itself an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.

For the visitors, it was the opposite. In a meeting of two bubble teams, the Razorbacks’ 87-73 loss felt like a dagger as they headed home.

“I can remember that feeling,” former Arkansas forward and Little Rock product Erynn Barnum told the Clarion Ledger.

She had put together a season worthy of All-SEC honors, but due in large part to that defeat, didn’t get a chance to showcase it on the biggest stage.

As MSU (13-4, 0-2 SEC) and Arkansas (13-4, 1-1) prepare to meet Thursday (8 p.m., SEC Network) for the first time since then, Barnum finds herself on the opposing sideline looking now to be part of another run toward March Madness for the Bulldogs.

“I like where I’m at,” she says.

How Mississippi State landed an All-SEC transfer

Barnum’s 15 points per game with the Razorbacks last season ranked 11^th in the SEC. However, playing as a traditional big, she felt as though her potential wasn’t being reached.

At 6-foot-2, she wanted to earn the label of being a big guard.

“Most people when you see someone my height, you automatically assume, ‘Oh, she can’t dribble. She can’t shoot. She can’t do these things,’” Barnum said. “A big part of me transferring was that I wanted to show people that I can do it.”

“At Arkansas, I obviously played the 5 all four years,” she added. “It was a fight for me to prove to my coach that I could do it.”

Purcell, who often encourages Barnum to “defy the odds,” and his staff were among those who felt she could fit in the versatile role she envisioned. They made sure she knew that.

“They didn’t let me get a break,” Barnum said with a laugh. “I mean, they were calling all the time.”

How Erynn Barnum has fit in at Mississippi State

Barnum, who is averaging 8.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season, concedes there was some fear when entering the portal, but she was met with a variety of teams expressing interest. Assistant Michelle Clark-Heard hadn’t been hired at MSU until after Barnum’s commitment, but the former Cincinnati head coach was familiar with her game.

The Bearcats would play on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so her Sundays were dedicated to watching the SEC. As the two work closely together now, Clark-Heard commends Barnum’s ability to mesh with the team.

For an all-conference player, there could have been landing spots where she would be the go-to player. Purcell reminded her that she could have stayed at Arkansas to collect more personal accolades.

Instead, she came to Mississippi State – a team with a returning All-SEC forward in Jessika Carter and a guard in Jordan heading toward similar honors this season.

“It speaks that I wanted to do bigger things,” Barnum said.

Barnum was part of a transfer class that featured two other all-conference transfers in guards Lauren Park-Lane (Seton Hall) and Darrione Rogers (DePaul). Despite the collection of new faces, Barnum felt there was a quick connection in the summer that made the transition easier.

“They see a side that sometimes we (coaches) don’t get to see,” Clark-Heard said. “I think that’s the greatest thing – the smile, the joy. She has a phenomenal relationship with her teammates. I think it’s great because she has that experience also, too.”

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Erynn Barnum returning to Arkansas

Barnum grew up heavily involved in volleyball along with basketball, but with the advice of her father, Brian Lockhart, the latter prevailed as the top priority. From when she picked up the sport in elementary school through her five years with the Razorbacks, Arkansas has been home for much of her athletic growth.

Returning this week, she admits, will come with some emotions. Though much of the arena will be cheering for the opposition, Barnum – who has eight siblings – expects plenty of family and friends to be in attendance.

“I spent a lot of time with those people, and I have love for them,” Barnum said. “I know they’re going to be coming for me as well. I feel like it’s going to be a love-hate relationship. Smiles when we’re off the court, but on the court, it’s business. I’m just looking to come take the win with my teammates.”

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Erynn Barnum: Why All-SEC forward transferred to Mississippi State