Three Mississippi State Basketball Players Earn All-SEC Honors
On Monday, the SEC announced their 2024 Men's Basketball Awards, honoring the league's best players following the conclusion of a thrilling regular season. Mississippi State basketball saw three players earn All-SEC honors: Tolu Smith, Josh Hubbard, and Cameron Matthews.
Tolu Smith named 1st Team All-SEC
Mississippi State basketball's star center, Tolu Smith, earned 1st Team All-SEC honors along with seven other league players. After missing the majority of the non-conference slate with injury, the Bulldog's senior big man came back and nearly averaged a double-double, with 16.3 points per game and a team-leading 9.6 rebounds per game. This is Smith's second-straight year being named 1st Team All-Conference.
Josh Hubbard named 2nd Team All-SEC and to All-Freshman Team
Josh Hubbard has been the breakout star for Mississippi State basketball. The true freshman guard has provided an immense spark to the MSU offense, averaging 16.8 points per game. He's averaged over 28 points in his last five games, with a season-high 34 against Kentucky. He set the MSU freshman scoring record with 521 points, and his 98 made 3-pointers are the most by any Bulldog in a single season.
Naturally, the SEC's coaches felt it right to recognize Hubbard for his outstanding play. He was one of nine players to be named 2nd Team All-SEC and was one of eight named to the league's All-Freshman team. Unfortunately, Hubbard didn't get to take home the hardware for SEC Freshman of the Year. That went to Kentucky's Reed Sheppard, an obviously worthy recipient. But nonetheless, Josh Hubbard got the accolades he deserved after his freshman campaign.
Cameron Matthews named to SEC's All-Defensive Team
Anyone who watches the Mississippi State basketball knows how vital Cameron Matthews is to the team's success. The senior forward does a bit of everything, averaging 9.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and a team-leading 2.9 assists per game. It's why CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein named him one of the top-10 glue guys in college basketball.
Where Matthews truly shines is on the defensive end. He led State in both steals and blocks, and despite playing the four, he's capable of going out and guarding the point. For the reason, he was one of five players named to the SEC's All-Defensive Team. It's great to see a player who has often been an unsung hero earn recognition.