News Summary
The Mississippi State men’s basketball team, led by Coach Chris Jans, is gearing up for the upcoming NCAA season with a strengthened roster featuring key transfers and promising freshmen. The Bulldogs aim to maintain their NCAA Tournament streak through a combination of experienced players and developing talent, fostering a strong team chemistry that focuses on collaboration and defense.
Starkville, Mississippi – As the 2025 NCAA basketball season approaches, the Mississippi State men’s basketball team is gearing up with an impressive roster under the leadership of head coach Chris Jans. Since taking the helm in 2022, Jans has led the Bulldogs to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, showcasing his remarkable ability to build competitive teams quickly. His reputation stems from his relentless work ethic and unique talent for identifying players who not only excel on the court but also possess strong leadership qualities.
This season, the team has welcomed several transfers, enhancing an already promising roster. Key additions include guards Jayden Epps, Ja’Borri McGhee, and forwards Achor Achor, Quincy Ballard, and Amier Ali. These talented players bring substantial experience and diverse skill sets to the squad. For instance, McGhee averaged 11.1 points and 2.8 assists while playing at UAB, while Ballard contributed 10 points and 9.2 rebounds at Wichita State.
The Bulldogs have also recruited incoming freshmen, such as guards King Grace and Cameren Paul, along with forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming. Davis-Fleming has a family connection to Mississippi State, as his brother Javian Davis previously played for the team, adding a personal touch to his commitment. This blend of transfers and incoming talent appears to create a dynamic and cohesive environment for the team.
Players have noted the rapid chemistry developing among teammates, which is critical for a successful season. The returners have played a pivotal role in fostering this sense of belonging, having organized team meals and promoting camaraderie. This focus on togetherness has shown its benefits previously, such as when the team recovered from a challenging start in the 2022-23 season and made it to the NCAA tournament despite facing significant injuries.
With a strong emphasis on selflessness, the Bulldogs have created an environment where players prioritize the team over individual accolades. This collective approach is evident as players strive to support each other both on and off the court.
The 2025 recruiting class has strategically focused on size and defense, crucial elements for competing in the SEC and beyond. The transfers are expected to bolster the team’s physical presence, with players like Amier Ali, a former top 100 recruit from Arizona State, bringing potential for development. Other notable transfers include Brandon Walker from Montana State, a forward averaging 14.7 points per game, and Achor Achor from Kansas State, who averaged 7.3 points in limited playtime.
Despite the optimistic outlook with this new roster, the previous transfer class in 2024 did not meet expectations, as several players struggled to make a significant impact. However, Coach Jans and the new director of scouting, Erik Johansson, are working diligently on strategies and scouting reports to enhance both team performance and cohesion this season.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming season, the blend of experienced transfers and promising freshmen bodes well for Mississippi State’s aspirations in collegiate basketball. With a strong coaching foundation and a commitment to teamwork, fans are hopeful that this roster can achieve great success and potentially extend their streak of NCAA Tournament appearances.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: New Dawgs Fitting Right In
- K-State Sports: K-State to Play Mississippi State
- Sports Illustrated: Bulldog Roundup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- Google Search: Mississippi State men’s 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.
