Mississippi State University’s Josh Hubbard is no ordinary athlete. Ranked as ESPN’s No. 88 national recruit for the class of 2023, Hubbard claimed the SEC Freshman of the Week honor five times and earned the prestigious Howell Trophy last season. But beyond the accolades, who is the Mississippi State point guard who has captured the attention of basketball fans nationwide?

At just 19 years old, Hubbard is a sophomore kinesiology major from Madison, Miss. He joined MSU’s men’s basketball team in 2023 and made an immediate impact, but his connection to basketball began much earlier.

“I kind of grew up in a basketball family,” Hubbard said. “My dad played basketball, and watching him was just motivating.”

Hubbard also credits his older brothers for fueling his passion for the game, noting how their involvement in basketball shaped his early years.

“I wanted to try the sport out… I shot the basketball, dribbled it, and just instantly fell in love with the game,” Hubbard said. “Watching NBA players do it on TV… I was just so surrounded by the sport, I wanted to try it on my own.”

His love for basketball culminated in a life-changing decision on March 13, 2023. Hubbard, then a senior at Madison-Ridgeland Academy, signed a letter of intent to play under head coach Chris Jans at Mississippi State. The decision came after he nearly committed to the University of Mississippi but reconsidered following a coaching change. So, why make the jump to Ole Miss’ fiercest rival?

“Me and my family, we prayed about it,” Hubbard said. “It was a tough situation, but God made it easier for us. Coach Jans, being the person he is and having the success he had prior to the year that I was there, was one of the main reasons I committed. Just the success they had—I wanted to be a part of it and add to it as much as I could.”

For Hubbard, Mississippi State was not just any school — it was personal.

“My brother went to State, and just being from Mississippi, in general, and having the opportunity to commit to a school that’s in your backyard… It was special,” Hubbard said. “You only do it once in your basketball career, so I’m glad I chose Mississippi State.”

No longer an SEC rookie, Hubbard is cementing his legacy as a fierce competitor. His record alone is enough to pique the interest of any college basketball fan, but it is his passion for competing that sets him apart, as he dubbed it his favorite part of playing.

“We practice so hard each and every day,” Hubbard said. “The reward of putting those practices into play, knowing you’ve got four other guys with you on the court, and you all have one common goal—to win—that’s my favorite part.”

Hubbard’s pride extends beyond individual success. His proudest moment came when Mississippi State earned a spot in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

“Watching our selection day was special, especially with the team you’ve worked so hard with… There’s no better reward than that,” Hubbard reflected. “After watching March Madness as a little kid, going there was surreal.”

When asked about the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) program that allows college athletes to profit from their brand, Hubbard called it a blessing, but he credits his parents for their guidance.

“My parents have helped tremendously with NIL and the opportunities that came with it,” Hubbard said. “Without them, there’s no telling where I’d be. I’m just grateful for their support.”

Beyond the glitz and glamor of courtside life and NIL deals, Hubbard enjoys a relatively normal life for a 19-year-old college student.

“People know me as a basketball player, but I’m a pretty fun, quiet guy,” Hubbard said. “I like to play video games and hang out with friends.”

Despite his laid-back demeanor, Hubbard remains focused on the upcoming season.

“Personally, I want to have better numbers than last year,” Hubbard said. “Teamwise, I want to take on more of a leadership role and help put the team in a better position to win. And of course, make March Madness again.”

Fans can catch Hubbard and Mississippi State in action when they debut on Nov. 4 against West Georgia at Humphrey Coliseum.