After a disappointing exit in the first round of last season’s NCAA Tournament to Michigan State, Mississippi State University men’s basketball head coach Chris Jans has his sights set on a stronger campaign for the upcoming season. Chris Jans’ motto is “Mississippi State vs. Everyone.”
The Bulldogs concluded last year with a solid 21-14 overall record, including an 8-10 mark in SEC play. Jans’ second season at the helm was highlighted by three Associated Press top-10 victories, a feat only accomplished three times in program history and the first since the 2001-02 season. The Bulldogs notched wins against No. 5 Tennessee (twice) and No. 8 Auburn, demonstrating Jans’ ability to lead the team to marquee victories. Mississippi State also joined Gonzaga and Memphis as the only programs to win four non-conference games against Power 5 opponents. Mississippi State showed a collective effort on defense mixed with a fast-paced offense.
In order to build on those accomplishments, Jans will rely on returning players and new talent to carry the Bulldogs to new heights this season.
Key Returners to Lead the Charge
With the departure of several key contributors like Tolu Smith, DJ Jeffries and Deshawn Davis, the Bulldogs will look for increased production from their returning players.
Redshirt junior forward KeShawn Murphy will play a pivotal role this season after averaging 4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1 assist per game last year. The Birmingham, Alabama, native, rated as the No. 86 player in ESPN’s Top 100 rankings in 2021, will likely see more minutes and a larger role. Murphy is due for a breakout year for Mississippi State, and this year could be the one.
Graduate forward Cameron Matthews, named to the 2023-24 All-SEC Defensive Team and recognized as a Top 10 “Glue Guy“ by College Hoops Today, is expected to be a crucial leader. A glue guy is defined by the Chartered Association of Business Schools as “a guy who’s unselfish and who’s a good teammate.” Matthews averaged a career-high 9.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season, shooting an impressive 62.4 percent from the field. His experience and defensive prowess makes him a key player for the Bulldogs.
Junior guard Shawn Jones Jr., one of the team’s surprises last season, will also play a significant role. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 rebounds while appearing in all 35 games last year. Throughout the season, the guard showed confidence in his scoring ability, so he will be on a new level this season. Another player to watch is redshirt sophomore Martavious Russell, who saw limited action but showed promise with his defensive skills and athleticism. Russell is a game-changer who can affect the momentum just by a hustle play or a tomahawk dunk.
Sophomore guard Josh Hubbard returns as the team’s standout player, coming off a sensational freshman campaign. He averaged 17.1 points, earning numerous accolades, including being named to the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC All-Freshman Team. Hubbard’s scoring ability will be critical for the Bulldogs’ success this season. Hubbard can score at will, and his ceiling has not even been reached yet, so Mississippi State fans should get their popcorn ready.
Sophomores Adrian Myers, Harrison Alexander and Gai Chol will also be looked upon to provide depth and contribute on both ends of the court.
New Faces Bring Added Firepower
The transfer portal has become an essential tool in college basketball, and Mississippi State used it to bolster its roster for this season. Among the new additions is senior guard Claudell Harris Jr., who comes to Starkville after averaging 13.7 points at Boston College. His shooting and quickness will add much-needed offensive firepower to the Bulldogs.
Junior guard Kanye Clary, a transfer from Penn State, averaged 16.7 points per game last season and brings a dynamic scoring ability. He is expected to be a key contributor alongside Hubbard in the backcourt.
Another significant addition, Riley Kugel, transferred from Florida, where he averaged 13.7 points per game last season. His scoring ability, particularly from three-point range, will make him vital to Mississippi State’s offense. Kugel, like Hubbard, can get hot offensively.
Other transfers include guard Trey Jackson III, center Jeremy Foumena from Rhode Island, forward Michael Nwoko from Miami, and senior forward RJ Melendez from Georgia. Each will bring valuable experience and depth to the Bulldogs’ rotation.
Strong Recruiting Class Adds to the Mix
The Bulldogs also added promising talent through their 2024 recruiting class. Dellquan Warren, a four-star prospect ranked No. 78 in ESPN’s Top 100, and Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year EJ Paymon, the state’s top recruit, both signed their National Letters of Intent. Warren and Paymon are expected to make an impact early in their college careers.
As Chris Jans enters his third season, the Bulldogs have the pieces in place for a promising year. With a blend of returning veterans, talented transfers and incoming freshmen, Mississippi State aims to make a deeper run in the SEC and beyond. The Bulldogs look to be the new darlings of college basketball.
