The Bulldogs are going dancing for their fourth time in six years. Third year Head Coach Chris Jans has established himself up there with Richard Williams and Rick Stansbury. The Bulldogs finished with a 21-12 overall record and an 8-10 mark in SEC play, landing them in the middle of the conference standings. The Bulldogs will play Baylor Friday morning in Raleigh at 10:15a.m. (CT). Today we’re looking at Mississippi State’s 2024-25 season and how the Bulldogs got here.
Mississippi State’s non-conference schedule provided a strong start to the season, as the Bulldogs capitalized on their early momentum to notch several impressive victories. The Bulldogs opened the season strongly with a solid non-conference slate. Notable victories included an exciting win over a ranked Memphis squad in December, demonstrating their potential to contend with top programs. They also secured a convincing victory against Pittsburgh. The Bulldogs’ defense, a hallmark of Jans’ coaching philosophy, continued to frustrate opponents, forcing turnovers and limiting scoring opportunities.
In SEC play, the Bulldogs experienced both highs and lows. Tight games and clutch performances defined much of their conference schedule, with several wins decided in the final moments. A thrilling overtime win against Ole Miss in January, was a standout moment for the season. Additionally, their close contest against Kentucky, a top-ranked SEC powerhouse, demonstrated their competitiveness, even in defeat.
Their defense-first approach made them a challenging opponent, and they managed to secure key wins against conference rivals. However, consistency in offensive execution remained an area for improvement compared to the top SEC teams.
Notable Players
G 12 Josh Hubbard So 5’11 190 Madison, MS Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Hubbard emerged as a key offensive contributor, leading the team in scoring and stepping up in clutch moments. His dynamic playmaking and scoring ability were central to the Bulldogs’ success. Hubbard averaged an impressive 18.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game, making him the team’s leading scorer and a key playmaker. His ability to hit clutch shots and create opportunities for his teammates was on full display throughout the season. One of his most memorable performances came in the SEC Tournament, where he scored 26 points, including six three-pointers, to lead the Bulldogs to a dominant win over LSU. Last week he won the Bailey Howell as the top Basketball player in the State of Mississippi
G 2 Riley Kugel Jr. 6’5 210 Orlando, FL Dr. Phillips HS Florida
Kugel averaged 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. His shooting efficiency, with a field goal percentage of 43.8%, made him a reliable offensive option for the team. Throughout the season, Kugel delivered several standout performances, including a 19-point game against Memphis and a 22-point effort in a non-conference matchup.
C 23 Michael Nwoko So 6’10 245 Napa, CA Prolific Prep Academy Miami
Nwoko provided a strong presence in the paint, excelling in rebounding and shot-blocking, and anchoring the Bulldogs’ interior defense. Nwoko averaged 6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting an efficient 53.1% from the field. His ability to dominate the paint was evident in several standout performances, including a double-double against Pittsburgh, where he recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds. Nwoko’s defensive presence was equally impactful, as he consistently disrupted opponents’ offensive schemes with his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities.
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