Starkville MS, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State basketball teams are set for a new season with significant changes, including numerous new players. The men’s team, coached by Chris Jans, features only four returning players and a promising influx of 11 newcomers. Likewise, the women’s team welcomes talented freshmen and transfers. Both teams seek strong performances as they kick off their seasons soon, with the women’s team taking the court first against Davidson College.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State Basketball Teams Prepare for Season with New Faces and Fresh Talent
The Mississippi State basketball teams are gearing up for an exciting season, featuring numerous new players and fresh talent as the men’s team prepares for its fourth season under Head Coach Chris Jans, commencing on November 5. The men’s squad will showcase a mix of only four returning players coupled with 11 newcomers, including four freshmen. Additionally, notable returning player Gai (Guy) Chol will miss the entire season due to a recent injury.
Coach Jans has expressed optimism about this year’s freshman class, describing it as the strongest he has encountered at Mississippi State. With the ongoing evolution in college sports driven by the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, fans will have the opportunity to get acquainted with a host of new faces on the Bulldogs’ roster this season.
Women’s Team Welcomes Talented Freshmen and Transfers
Similarly, the women’s basketball program is also welcoming a wealth of new talent. Assistant Coach Fred Castro highlighted the team dynamics during a presentation at the Starkville Rotary Club. The women’s team will include three freshmen who stand out for their exceptional skills:
- Madison Francis, a 6-foot-2 forward from Lancaster, NY, known for in-game dunks and ranked as a top-20 recruit.
- Jaylah Lampley, a 6-foot-1 guard from Fishers, IN, recognized as the 2023-2024 Gatorade Player of the Year.
- Nataliyah Gray, a 6-foot-3 forward from Houston, TX, renowned for her rebounding ability.
The MSU women’s team will also integrate five new transfers, contributing to a top-10 ranked transfer class. Among these transfers, Favour Nwaedozi, a 6-foot-3 junior forward from Delta, Nigeria, previously competed at Mukogawa Women’s University in Japan. Additionally, Kharyssa Richardson, a 6-foot-2 junior forward from Ole Miss, will enhance the team’s depth. Saniyah King, a 5-foot-7 sophomore transfer from Howard University and last season’s MEAC Rookie of the Year, will also join the squad, along with Trayanna Crisp, a 5-foot-8 senior guard from North Carolina, known for her scoring proficiency, and Awa Fane, a 5-foot-8 junior from Panola College, a NJCAA First Team All-American.
Upcoming Season Schedule
The women’s basketball season is set to tip off on November 3, when they face off against Davidson College, promising to be a challenging match. Coach Castro emphasized the significance of home-court advantage, encouraging fans to show their support for the team throughout the season.
Key Season Highlights
- Men’s basketball season begins on November 5.
- Women’s basketball season opens on November 3 against Davidson College.
- Men’s team features 11 new players including four freshmen, and only four returning players.
- Women’s team includes three top freshmen and five transfers, part of a top-10 ranked transfer class.
FAQ
What is the start date for the men’s basketball season?
The men’s basketball season begins on November 5.
How many new players are on the men’s basketball team?
The men’s team consists of 11 new players, including four freshmen.
Who will miss the entire season on the men’s basketball team?
Gai (Guy) Chol, one of the returning players, will miss the entire season due to a recent injury.
When does the women’s basketball season start?
The women’s basketball season kicks off on November 3 against Davidson College.
What notable players have joined the women’s basketball team?
The women’s team includes three freshmen: Madison Francis, Jaylah Lampley, and Nataliyah Gray. It also features five transfer players.
How important is home-court advantage for the women’s team?
Coach Castro emphasized the importance of home-court advantage in influencing game outcomes and encouraged fans to support the team.
Key Features Chart
| Team | Start Date | Returning Players | New Players (including Freshmen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Basketball | November 5 | 4 | 11 (incl. 4 Freshmen) |
| Women’s Basketball | November 3 | Returning players included | 8 (3 Freshmen, 5 Transfers) |
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Additional Resources
- WCBI: MSU Head Basketball Coach Speaks at the Rotary Club in Starkville
- Clarion Ledger: Vic Schaefer’s Coaching Journey
- Starkville Daily News: MSU Releases Women’s Basketball Schedule
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google Search: 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.
