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Sidney eager to move on from ‘worst year for me ever’

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Renardo Sidney doesn’t want to be the “The Biggest Loser.” He’s focused on playing hoops, staying out of trouble and winning games.

Well, and losing a little weight. That’s a central part of the plan.

The 6-10 Mississippi State center spent last season dealing with suspensions, dustups with teammates and poor play rather than living up to his hoops potential. Part of the issue was his weight. He was listed at 270 pounds, but was clearly over 300.

No more. Sidney spent the last two months in Houston, doing daily workouts with former NBA player John Lucas. He’s lost 23 pounds and wants to lose more.

“I have a lot of people to show that I can do a lot of stuff this year,” Sidney told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. “I’ve got a lot of stuff to prove about my attitude, my game, my conditioning. I’m basically trying to get my weight down.”

He ran three miles a day, was playing hoops every day and appeared noticeably slimmer when he spoke to reporters on Monday. He’d like to lose another 20 pounds by October.

Just as important were the off-court sessions Lucas held with Sidney. A former alcohol and drug abuser, Lucas implored Sidney to keep his cool and “don’t worry about what people say” both on the court and off. For the Bulldogs to reach their potential with Sidney, Dee Bost and newcomers Arnett Moultrie and Rod Hood, they’ll Sidney to be in shape and on the court.

That means focusing on hoops.

“I’m trying to stay low, man. Last year was the worst year for me ever,” he told the paper.” I’m trying to get my image back out there and I’m not worried about Twitter, Facebook. Just staying in the gym.”

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