Jon Rothstein has high praise for Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard and KeShawn Murphy

Mississippi State basketball notched a good win over Utah Sunday afternoon, making a second-half comeback to defeat the Utes 78-73. After the win, one of the top college basketball reporters had high praise for a pair of Bulldogs.

Jon Rothstein shares praise for Josh Hubbard and KeShawn Murphy after Bulldogs defeat Utah

Few members of sports media are more beloved than Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. The quirky college basketball insider is well known for his "Rothsteinisms", catchphrases he has for certain coaches and programs that he posts after their wins. For Mississippi State, it's "Chris Jans. The Dentist", which is in reference to Rothstein once saying that playing against Jans' Bulldogs was like getting a root canal without Novocain, a compliment to their relentless defense.

Along with his usual Rothsteinism, Jon Rothstein had this to say after the Bulldogs defeated Utah...

According to Rothstein, "Josh Hubbard is the least appreciated guard in college basketball". He also notes that KeShawn Murphy is "a small ball 5 to monitor." There's no one who watches more college hoops than Jon Rothstein, and no one is better connected in the sport. If he's saying this, it carries weight.

Josh Hubbard deserves more recognition

Jon Rothstein is right. Josh Hubbard is absolutely under-appreciated by media. His name almost never comes up when discussions of the best guards in the country come up, and he was left off the preseason watch list for the Naismath Trophy. This is after he lit the SEC on fire as a true freshman last season, making more three pointers than anyone else in the league.

Early this year, he's averaging 21.3 PPG on a fantastic 63.2% shooting. He's hitting nearly 62% of his three-point shots! He's also improved his rebounding and distributing, with 3.3 boards and 3.7 assists. He's gotten stronger, faster, and better on the defensive end. He's not just a three-point shooter. He's become a well-rounded guard. It's time for the nation to take notice.

KeShawn Murphy could be Mississippi State's answer at center

Hubbard taking over in the second-half is why State was able to make a comeback against Utah, but the Bulldogs don't win the game without a huge day from KeShawn Murphy. He tied a career-high with 18 points, notched 14 boards (also a career high), and did a great job converting at the free throw line during a stretch where State wasn't making many field goals.

Murphy entered the portal in the offseason but ultimately chose to return. He then put in the best offseason of his career according to Chris Jans, and we're seeing his decision to come back and work hard pay off. He's putting together the best season of his career so far, and it's possible he becomes State's answer at center.

Tolu Smith's Bulldog career ending left a massive hole at the 5 for MSU. And while Murphy isn't going to fully replace his production, if he can continue to improve, the Bulldogs can get enough down low to keep defenses honest. He's also playing well on the defensive end. He's not a traditional big, but he has the chance to be a really good player.