News Summary
Mississippi State University has officially added Amier Ali, a sophomore transfer from Arizona State University, to its men’s basketball roster. The 6-foot-8 forward from Montverde, Florida averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds last season. His arrival is part of a significant roster overhaul aimed at rebuilding the team. Ali has shown enthusiasm for the team’s practices and has been working on his physical fitness to contribute effectively in the upcoming season. The integration of other transfers and returning players aims to bolster Mississippi State’s competitiveness.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University has announced the addition of Amier Ali, a sophomore transfer from Arizona State University, to its men’s basketball team, signifying a critical development in the program’s roster overhaul. Ali, a 6-foot-8 forward from Montverde, Florida, averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game during his freshman season at Arizona State, where he played about 18 minutes per game on a team that struggled, finishing the season with a 13-20 record.
After entering the transfer portal this spring, Ali decided on Mississippi State as one of five new additions to the team, which is under the direction of head coach Chris Jans. His arrival comes at a pivotal time for the Bulldogs, who are looking to rebuild following a season that saw them reach the NCAA tournament yet face significant roster changes, with only two players returning who averaged over 10 minutes last season.
At Arizona State, Ali showcased his potential with a standout performance, recording a season-high of 18 points and 7 rebounds in a game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Despite the challenges at his previous school, his skill set is recognized for its versatility; he has indicated he can contribute effectively both as a wing and at the power forward position.
Since his transfer to Mississippi State, Ali has expressed enthusiasm about the team’s practices, describing them as energetic and intense, driven by the supportive atmosphere fostered by coaches and teammates. He believes this environment will aid in his transition and overall development within the team.
During the off-season, Ali has worked on his physical fitness, reportedly bulking up by 15 pounds, with an aim to weigh 210 pounds by the start of the season. He has also emphasized the importance of team bonding, participating in dinners with his teammates and collaborating on summer workouts, which have helped establish camaraderie.
Ali’s recruitment to Mississippi State was positively influenced by the hospitality he received from Coach Jans and the coaching staff, making him feel at home. The program’s efforts to attract talent for the 2025 season included securing other notable transfers such as Ja’Borri McGhee and Quincy Ballard, bolstering the team’s prospects as they address the need for production in both the front and backcourt.
The presence of veteran players like Josh Hubbard and Shawn Jones has also been instrumental in helping Ali and other new transfers adapt to Mississippi State’s culture, with their leadership facilitating a smoother transition for incoming players.
With a renewed focus on winning, Ali is eager to make a meaningful contribution to the Mississippi State basketball program. Head coach Jans’ strategy of integrating transfer players is part of a broader initiative to reshape the team and build a competitive roster that can contend effectively in upcoming seasons.
As Mississippi State prepares for the challenges ahead, Ali’s addition may prove to be a valuable asset in achieving the team’s goals this coming season, leveraging his past experiences while fostering a winning spirit in Starkville.
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Additional Resources
- Djournal: MSU Transfers
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Basketball
- On3: Amier Ali and Brandon Walker
- Google Search: Amier Ali
- Cdispatch: MSU Lands Amier Ali
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Basketball
- 247sports: Amier Ali Interview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Clarion Ledger: MSU Basketball Transfer Portal
- Google News: Mississippi State Basketball Transfers
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
