Latest news with #JoshHubbard
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Josh Hubbard Breaks Silence on Return to Mississippi State Hoops
Josh Hubbard Breaks Silence on Return to Mississippi State Hoops originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When Josh Hubbard walked into the media room on June 5, it wasn't just another off-season press conference, it was a statement of unfinished business. Advertisement Mississippi State's top scorer for two consecutive seasons is back in maroon and white after exploring the NBA Draft process. While he wasn't projected as a top pick, Hubbard's return instantly changes the tone of the Bulldogs' 2025-26 campaign, from rebuild to reload. 'I learned a lot about my game and what I can improve on,' Hubbard said. 'Obviously, I want to be the best player I can be… I'm not satisfied. We have a lot more in store for this program, and so I'm just excited to be back.' Hubbard, the junior guard from Madison, is already one of the most decorated players in Mississippi State history. He's the only Bulldog to earn All-SEC honors as both a freshman and sophomore. Last season, he averaged 18.9 points per game and shattered school records for most 3-pointers in a season (108), consecutive games with a made 3 (47), and career free-throw percentage (86.6%). But he isn't coming back to chase personal stats. He's coming back to win. Advertisement MSU has made the NCAA Tournament in all three years under Chris Jans but remains winless in March. The Bulldogs have lost seven of their top eight scorers from last season. That turnover hasn't shaken Hubbard's confidence, it's fueled it. 'Just grind and get 1% better each day,' he said. 'One thing we work on each day is just being more vocal, showing that leadership skill.' The Bulldogs have retooled with six transfers and a top-15 freshman class, per 247Sports. Still, it's Hubbard's presence that gives MSU a real shot at breaking through in a competitive SEC. Head coach Chris Jans wasn't surprised by the decision. 'We had great communication behind the scenes,' Jans said. 'I had a pretty good idea that unless something crazy happened… Josh was going to be a part of our basketball team.' Advertisement Mississippi State fans, circle the dates now. With Hubbard back, the Bulldogs aren't just competing, they're coming. Related: Mississippi State Baseball Makes Major Announcement as Season Ends Related: Mississippi State Lands Impact 2026 DB Commit Kolby Barrett This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chris Jans Excited for Returning 'Locker Room Leader' Josh Hubbard to Pair With New Additions
Chris Jans Excited for Returning 'Locker Room Leader' Josh Hubbard to Pair With New Additions originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Mississippi State basketball coach Chris Jans didn't mince words as he set the tone for the 2025-26 season as summer workouts began: 'We needed to get bigger.' Advertisement After a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament without a win, the fourth-year head coach knew his Bulldogs had to evolve. Rebounding and three-point shooting, two of MSU's most glaring weaknesses last year are the focal points of a retooled roster featuring six transfers, four freshmen, and a highly anticipated return: Josh Hubbard. The sophomore guard, a two-time All-SEC selection, is at the heart of Jans' plan to modernize Mississippi State's offense. Hubbard led MSU in scoring and was the team's primary deep threat, yet the Bulldogs still ranked 14th in the SEC in 3-point percentage (31.4%) despite firing up nearly 27 attempts per game. Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12) shoots the ball against the Baylor Bears during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Donnan-Imagn Images 'We thought going into the year, just to be frank with you, that we had addressed it,' Jans said. 'We thought we had enough guys that could shoot the ball, and for whatever reason, as a group, we didn't end up shooting it as well as we anticipated.' Advertisement To help lighten Hubbard's load, Jans brought in proven shooters. Georgetown's Jayden Epps (34.4% from three) adds volume, while UAB's Ja'Borri McGhee (40.8%) brings efficiency. Arizona State transfer Amier Ali also adds depth at 32.6% from beyond the arc. But the biggest change may be in the paint. Mississippi State finished just 130th in the nation in rebounding percentage last year, a shocking stat for a Jans-coached squad. Losing Cameron Matthews and KeShawn Murphy (11.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG) made frontcourt depth an urgent priority. Enter Quincy Ballard, a 7-foot transfer from Wichita State who averaged 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks last season. 'Having a quarterback on defense, or a goalie would be probably more appropriate, is a big advantage,' Jans said. 'I've never felt like we've had that since we've been here.' The Bulldogs also landed two four-star centers in Tee Bartlett and local standout Jamarion Davis-Fleming, helping vault MSU's freshman class to No. 12 nationally, per 247Sports Composite. Advertisement With a deeper bench and Hubbard leading the charge, the Bulldogs have their eyes set not just on another tournament berth, but on finally breaking a 17-year drought without an NCAA Tournament win. 'It's time,' Jans said. 'We've done the work. Now we've got to go prove it.' Related: MSU Baseball Signing 'Top Dog' Brian O'Connor Makes Starkville a 'Dream Location' Related: Mississippi State Football Climbs in ESPN FPI Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard announces NBA draft decision
Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard announces NBA draft decision Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard announced on social media that he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft and returning to the program for his junior year. Hubbard was an All-SEC second-team selection, averaging 18.9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.1 rebounds on 40.2% shooting from 3-point range in 34 games. He ranked 15th in the country with 108 3-pointers, which tied his own program record set last year. The 20-year-old was one of 10 players from a power conference last season with at least 600 points and 100 assists. He scored in double figures in all but one game and registered 14 20-point games, the sixth-most in the conference. Hubbard was among the 106 players who filed as early entry candidates for the draft. After testing the process over the past several weeks, he will remove his name from consideration before the withdrawal deadline on May 28 and return to Starkville. The Bulldogs' leading scorer returns to a team adding several players, including King Grace (No. 60 prospect) and Tee Bartlett (No. 84). Coach Chris Hans also added transfers Jayden Epps (Georgetown), Achor Achor (Kansas State) and Amier Ali (Arizona State). Hubbard will now have the opportunity to improve his draft stock next season. He is once again expected to play a key role as the team looks to make it four straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
All-SEC Star Makes Final NBA Draft Decision on Wednesday
The 2025 NBA Draft combine has come and gone, and many notable college basketball stars are deciding whether to return to their respective programs. With the NCAA's early entry withdrawal deadline approaching on May 28, the final list of NBA Draft prospects is beginning to take shape. However, one major SEC star has decided to return to school. Advertisement After falling in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Mississippi State Bulldogs point guard Josh Hubbard declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. However, despite making the second-team All-SEC in his sophomore season (2024-25), Hubbard wasn't invited to either the NBA draft combine or the NBA G League Elite Camp. Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears and Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh HubbardWill McLelland-Imagn Images During the draft process, Hubbard made it clear that he was eyeing feedback from NBA teams, hoping for some constructive criticism. 'We just wanted to take advantage of that rule and see what was out there,' Hubbard said. 'Just hearing feedback from the NBA teams, and seeing what I need to improve on for as far as the league and in college. Just to know what I can do better.' Advertisement With that being said, it appears Hubbard has found what he needs to improve on. On Wednesday, On3's Joe Tipton reported that the sophomore will be withdrawing from the draft, returning to Mississippi State for his junior season. "NEWS: Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and will return to Starkville next season, he told @On3sports," Tipton wrote on X. "Expected, but exciting news for Chris Jans." Hubbard has been one of the best players for the Bulldogs since joining in 2023. In his freshman season, he came off the bench in 19-of-35 games, averaging 17.1 points on 38.5% shooting and 1.7 assists. Advertisement He improved his numbers this past season as a full-time starter, tallying 18.9 points on 40.2% shooting and 3.1 assists per game. Related: Hunter Dickinson Makes Hilarious Career Decision After Final Season at Kansas
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Glad to be back': Josh Hubbard announces return to Mississippi State
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) – Star Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard is heading back to Starkville. Hubbard announced on May 21 that he's removing his name from the NBA draft process and has his sights fully set on a big junior year with the Bulldogs. USM Pitcher, Benton Grad JB Middleton Wins Ferriss Trophy 'This is nothing but exciting,' Hubbard said. 'I was born and raised in Mississippi, so just to come back and wear the Maroon and White again means the world. I can't explain enough how much Mississippi State means to me. I'm so excited and ready to get back to it already.' Hubbard was an All-Southeastern Conference selection in each of the last two seasons as he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. 'I just want the fans to know that we're creating something special,' Hubbard said. 'I'm glad to be back, so let's all have another great, successful year.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
