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Sidney speaks out -- and he’s motivated

Mississippi State had high hopes for Renardo Sidney last season. A dynamic post player, Sidney was supposed to pair with Jarvis Varnado and help the Bulldogs make a run at the Final Four.

Didn’t happen. The NCAA, despite multiple appeals and pleas from Sidney’s lawyer, ruled him ineligible for his entire freshman season and 30 percent of this season because of unethical conduct and impermissible benefits. But instead of taking the easy way out and bolting to the NBA, Sidney’s playing this season.

And he sounds excited.

The school posted a 15-question Q&A on its website (first spotted by Bulldogs beat writer Kyle Veazey) in which Sidney dishes out some interesting nuggets. Among them:

5. When you learned you wouldn’t be able to play until the 2010-11 season, what was your first thought?
RS: “I was hurt, because I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong. It just killed me, because I really wanted to be on the floor helping my team win. Someone else was deciding my fate and it didn’t feel fair. It was tough, and I experienced a lot of emotions. It was like a dream, but a bad one.”

10. Where do you feel your game is right now compared to where it was a year ago?
RS: “I’ve slimmed down a lot. I’m quicker and faster. My jumping ability is a lot higher. Conditioning wise, it’s coming along. I’ll be ready in October.”

Let me get this straight. Sidney is miffed about the year off and spent the time getting into shape? Dude. Good luck to the rest of the SEC is this is true.

(H/T: Eammon Brennan)

Mike Miller’s also on Twitter @BeyndArcMMiller, usually talkin’ hoops. Click here for more.