Mississippi State Women's Basketball's Jessika Carter Enters WNBA Draft

Mississippi State women's basketball's season ended in the quarterfinals of the WBIT last week, falling on the road to Penn State 92-87. Not only did that game mark the end of a season, it marked the end of an era for Mississippi State basketball.

It was the final game for star Bulldog center Jessika Carter who wrapped-up an illustrious career at Mississippi State. On Wednesday, Carter officially announced her decision to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Jessika Carter spent six years at Mississippi State. The 6'5" Georgia-native signed with the Bulldogs in 2018 as a 5-star prospect under then-head coach Vic Schaefer. Carter became a starter in her sophomore season and earned 2nd Team All-SEC honors.

She had another strong season in a COVID-shortened junior campaign before stepping away from the team for personal matters during her senior year. Carter returned in 2022-2023, Sam Purcell's first season as head coach, and was right back to her previous form, earning 2nd Team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive team honors.

Jessika Carter capped-off her Mississippi State career this season averaging 14.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. She recorded a career-high 31 points against Kennesaw State. Against Kentucky, she had the first "20-20" game of her career with 20 points and 20 rebounds. She saw 13 double-doubles throughout her final season.

Carter was named 2nd Team All-SEC one final time in 2024, and after six long years, she finally took home the Gillom Trophy, granted to the best women's basketball player in the state of Mississippi.

Jessika Carter ends her Mississippi State career as one of the most decorated players in program history. As Robbie Faulk of On3 pointed out, she has the most games played of any player and ranks in the top-5 in points, rebounds, blocks, and made field goals at MSU.

Now she looks ahead to the WNBA, hoping to become the fourth Bulldog drafted since 2018. The 2024 WNBA Draft will be held in Brooklyn on April 15.