Mississippi State basketball has a lot to replace from last season's team. Much of the news of the offseason has been centered around the new faces joining the roster set to play pivotal roles for head coach Chris Jans. But the most important news of the offseason has to do with someone the Bulldogs are getting back.
Josh Hubbard withdraws from NBA Draft, returning to Mississippi State
Welcome back, Josh Hubbard. On Wednesday, the Bulldog guard and prolific three-point shooter announced that he was withdrawing from the NBA Draft and will return to Mississippi State for the 2025-2026 season. Coming off an 18.9 point per game season, he is the leading returning scorer in the SEC.
In two seasons in Starkville, Josh Hubbard has already cemented himself as an all-time great. A two-time All-SEC selection and two-time winner of the Bailey Howell Trophy, he ranks fifth in program history in career PPG (17.97) and twice owns the record for the most three-point makes in a single season (108). He also owns the program record for consecutive games with a made three at 47.
Hubbard has been the focal-point for a pair of NCAA Tournament teams under Chris Jans and is one of the best players in college basketball's best conference. Going into his junior year, he's become a household name in the sport, and with him on the floor, the Bulldogs will always have a chance.
Hubbard's return expected but still critical for Bulldogs
When Josh Hubbard made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility at Mississippi State, it seemed highly likely that this would be the ultimate result. There are still some aspects to his game that need development if he's going to play at the next level, so while he was going to go through the process, everyone expected to see him back in Starkville for a third season.
Still, this is the most important news of the offseason for Chris Jans and the Bulldogs. Obviously Hubbard himself is a massive piece for MSU being the team's leading scorer and one of the best bucket-getters in all of college basketball. But it's also important because of what else is gone from the lineup.
Had Hubbard remained in the draft, State would have been without their top eight scorers from last season, an absurd amount of production to have to replace. As it is, they're still losing scorers two through seven, but it's much easier to find players to fill those roles as opposed to finding your alpha.
Having that alpha back and an outstanding coach in Chris Jans, it's fair to keep high expectations for this program despite the other losses from last season's tournament team. In fact, CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein feels confident enough to already declare another trip the Dance for the Bulldogs.
Of course State fans are going to want to see more than just another tournament appearance. After going one-and-done each of the last three years, finding wins in March is now where sights are set. And that seems fair too. Alongside Hubbard, Jans has brought in another impressive transfer class featuring several quality pieces to fill out the lineup. That includes a big-time scorer in transfer guard Jayden Epps who'll be a legitimate threat to pair with Hubbard in the backcourt. We should see another strong team take the floor when the season tips-off.