News Summary
As the new basketball season approaches, Mississippi State’s men’s basketball team, under coach Chris Jans, is building strong team chemistry through summer workouts. With a mix of returning players and talented newcomers, the Bulldogs are fostering unity that they believe will drive their success. Players report cultivating a supportive environment, critical for overcoming challenges during the season. The emphasis on collaboration and shared goals highlights their commitment to collective effort as they prepare for a competitive landscape in college basketball.
Starkville, Mississippi – In anticipation of the upcoming 2025 basketball season, Mississippi State men’s basketball under head coach Chris Jans is showcasing impressive team chemistry developed through dedicated summer workouts. Jans, who has successfully led the Bulldogs to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances since his arrival in 2022, is credited with fostering a culture of unity and collaboration within the team, essential elements for achieving success in collegiate athletics.
This summer, players have reported a strong bond among teammates, with forward Brandon Walker highlighting that this group has quickly become the best team he has been a part of. The Bulldogs welcome several new faces this season, including a talented cohort of transfer players. Guards Jayden Epps and Ja’Borri McGhee, along with forwards Achor Achor, Quincy Ballard, and Amier Ali, add depth and experience to the squad. Additionally, freshmen such as King Grace, Cameren Paul, and Jamarion Davis-Fleming have also joined the ranks, further diversifying the team composition.
Davis-Fleming’s connection to Mississippi State is notable, as his brother, Javian Davis, played for the Bulldogs from 2020 to 2022. His decision to join the team was motivated by a desire to earn his position on the squad rather than relying on guarantees, reflecting a competitive spirit embraced by the entire roster. The presence of preexisting relationships among players, such as Davis-Fleming’s rapport with star guard Josh Hubbard, fosters a supportive environment conducive to collaboration.
Returning players Shawn Jones Jr., Gai Chol, and Dellquan Warren are playing a pivotal role in helping new team members acclimate. They have established an atmosphere of camaraderie on and off the court, which includes frequently dining together to strengthen their connections. This sense of unity is viewed by players as a critical factor, particularly in navigating the challenges of tough games throughout the season.
Over the past years, the Bulldogs have demonstrated that team chemistry is crucial for overcoming obstacles, as evidenced by their historic achievement last season, which marked the first time in two decades that Mississippi State celebrated three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Such accomplishments underscore the importance of collective effort and collaboration in driving team performance.
Players have expressed that there is a shared philosophy on the team with “no ego” and mutual support, emphasizing the importance of unity. Guard King Grace noted how the closeness of the team positively influences their performance during training sessions, leading to improvements on the court. The bonding experiences created during summer workouts are expected to translate into on-court success as the team prepares for the challenges ahead in the new season.
As Chris Jans guides the Bulldogs into the 2025 season, his emphasis on relentless work ethic and team-building capabilities is more apparent than ever. The ability to cultivate strong interpersonal relationships among players is vital as they aim to build upon the momentum of past seasons while striving for greater achievements in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: New Dawgs Fitting Right In
- Ole Miss Sports: No. 21 Men’s Basketball Falls
- Roll Tide: No. 4 Alabama Outlasts No. 14 Mississippi State
- Columbia Missourian: No. 20 Mizzou to Face Tough Test
- Starkville Daily News: Transfers Adjusting Well to MSU
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Men’s Basketball
- Google Search: Mississippi State Men’s Basketball 2025
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- Google News: Mississippi State Basketball
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.
