As basketball season slowly approaches, junior guard Josh Hubbard and his team prepare for a season that they are excited for and that fans should be eager to watch.

In April, when the 2024-2025 season came to an end, Hubbard released a statement that he was declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while also maintaining his college eligibility. As a player who grew up in Mississippi, he received offers from both MSU and Ole Miss during his high school career, but ultimately chose Mississippi State. 

On May 21, the Mississippi State Men’s Basketball account on X announced that Hubbard chose to withdraw from the draft and return to MSU. Hubbard explained his decision in a June media session, saying he was not satisfied with his personal performance and that he knew that the team had more in store.

Head Coach Chris Jans attended the 2025 SEC Basketball Media Day alongside Hubbard, senior guard Jayden Epps and senior guard Shawn Jones Jr. Jans claimed that he had no doubt Hubbard would return to MSU for his junior season. 

“I didn’t have any uncertainty with it just because I’m with him daily,” Jans said. “I’ve got to know his family very well, what kind of people they are, what they stand for.” 

Jans said that he understands Hubbard is a young and talented athlete, so the NBA coming into conversation was not anything shocking. Jans then said Hubbard’s return speaks to his character and his belief in the MSU program and community. Aside from his excellence on the court, many recognize him off the court as well.

“A lot of coaches talk about, you know, kids being better people than they are players. And it’s a cliche, but I mean, that’s Josh,” Jans said. “…And to say that he’s a better person just speaks kudos to the quality human being that he is.” 

Hubbard achieved the preseason First Team All-SEC this season, and some fans are excited to see what that means. Hubbard was one of five athletes who were selected by media members and coaches to be named first team, which highlights who they think are the league’s top projected players for the upcoming season. 

“We’re going to play exciting, play hard, and as a fan, I think those things are exciting to know and hear,” said Hubbard.

Although the 2025 MSU basketball team is nearly a whole new roster, returners like Hubbard and Jones are determined to continue on their legacy. Jones said he hopes to be a player whom his teammates can look up to during the upcoming season. 

“Everything they taught me, I took it and I applied it to this year,” Jones said about his teammates from last year. “Just trying to build a team up just like they did and be a leader.” 

Last season saw a lot of highs for the Bulldog offense, but MSU’s defense was not up to Jans’ standards. Jans claims that he knew his team would take some steps back defensively, but he kept that in mind when he sifted through the portal for this year’s team.

“We had that in mind when we jumped in the portal this year,” Jans said. “Tried to get, like you said, some length and more defensive-minded guys.”

With so many new athletes, Hubbard has stepped up to be the leader. Last year, he was the “little brother of the duo” to graduate Cameron Matthews, according to Jans. Now that Matthews is gone, it is up to Hubbard to use his voice.

“He’s got all the qualities you would want if you’re looking at it from a coach’s perspective in terms of his ability,” Jans said. “So he’s got respect that way, you know. He’s as hard a worker as we have in the program, which gives him a little more confidence in allowing him to say things to his teammates.” 

The team has been grinding during their off-season and will see the court for the first time this season on Nov. 5 in Humphrey Coliseum at 8 p.m. against North Alabama. The team is excited for what they can bring to Starkville, and the players think the fans should be excited, too. 

“I would like people to know that we are so motivated,” Hubbard said. “After the seasons we’ve had, just the ferocious taste of just wanting to go out there and play hard and show the fans what we can do.”

Jayden Epps, a senior guard, said he has hope that MSU will have a successful season of Bulldog basketball.

“It’s a work in progress, and we are working every day,” Epps said.