A beloved and all-time great Bulldog is getting his shot in the NBA. Following the 2025 NBA Draft, Mississippi State basketball's Cameron Matthews has signed with the Houston Rockets according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. He'll compete for a two-way spot in training camp.
Two-time SEC All-Defensive Team selection Cam Mathews (Mississippi State) will join the Houston Rockets and compete for a two-way spot in training camp, league sources told @hoopshype. pic.twitter.com/iE8MEU3PaA
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 27, 2025
Cam Matthews was the stalwart of Mississippi State basketball in the Chris Jans-era. The 6-7, 235 forward out of Olive Branch was a five-year player for the Bulldogs, becoming a full-time starter and breakout player under Jans in 2022-2023.
Over the last three seasons, he's been a consistent leader of the team, playing a do-it-all role for MSU. Last season, he averaged 7.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He led the SEC with 2.4 steals per game. The last two seasons, he was named to the SEC's All-Defensive Team, only the second Bulldog to twice earn that honor.
Cameron Matthews will have a professional future
Cam Matthews is best-known for his defense, but he's so much more than just a lockdown defender. Sure, if you need him to guard one through five, he can absolutely do that at a high level. But his versatility is what makes him so special.
Need him to run the point and facilitate on offense? He's your guy. Need him to box out and grab rebounds? He's excellent there. Need him to drive downhill and get to the rim? He'll do it, and if you're a defender in his way, look out.
The best way to describe Cam Matthews is simply that he's a basketball player, and guys that do as many things at a high level as he can absolutely have a professional future. And though we tend to think of today's NBA as primarily valuing players that are bigger scoring threats, particularly as shooters, than Matthews has been to this point, there is still a place in the league for guys that can play elite defense.
When you add in his rebounding and passing ability on top of that, he's someone who could certainly find a way onto a roster, be it in Houston or elsewhere. He's too good a player to not be able to make an impact for someone.