News Summary
Head coach Chris Jans is preparing the Mississippi State men’s basketball team for a promising season, with a blend of experienced and new players. Following three NCAA Tournament appearances, the Bulldogs focus on building team chemistry and strong camaraderie during summer practices. The roster, featuring several transfers and newcomers, is characterized by a supportive environment where players prioritize teamwork. This unified approach is expected to bolster their resilience against the challenges ahead, aiming for another successful NCAA tournament run.
Starkville, Mississippi – Head coach Chris Jans is gearing up for a promising season with the Mississippi State men’s basketball team, having led the Bulldogs to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments since taking the reins in 2022. His track record of building competitive squads is supported by a strong sense of team chemistry formed during summer workouts, which continue to build anticipation for the upcoming season.
This year, Jans has incorporated a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, bringing in several transfer athletes including guards Jayden Epps and Ja’Borri McGhee, as well as forwards Achor Achor, Quincy Ballard, and Amier Ali. Alongside them, freshmen guards King Grace and Cameren Paul, along with forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming, join the ranks of the Bulldogs. Davis-Fleming’s connection to Mississippi State runs deep as his brother previously played for the team from 2020-2022.
A notable aspect of this year’s roster is the quick bonding among players, which has been a primary focus during practice sessions. The team’s returners, including Josh Hubbard and Shawn Jones Jr., have taken on mentorship roles, ensuring the newcomers feel welcomed and included. This initiative has fostered an environment where every player is encouraged to contribute to the team dynamic, promoting a strong camaraderie that players believe will be essential during the more challenging moments of the season.
Team activities, such as shared meals, have also reinforced this bond, helping to strengthen their unity and understanding of each other on and off the court. The players collectively highlighted their lack of individual egos, demonstrating a willingness to prioritize teamwork and mutual support. They believe that such a cohesive unit will facilitate individual growth and overall team success as they prepare to face the rigors of the collegiate basketball landscape.
The Bulldogs have displayed resilience in past seasons, managing to overcome difficult starts and player injuries, largely thanks to their solid foundation of team unity. The current roster seems poised to continue this trend. Freshman King Grace expressed optimism that the team’s closely-knit environment will be advantageous during gameplay once the season commences.
As the Bulldogs look ahead to their next challenges, the groundwork laid by Jans and the players’ commitment to each other is evident. They aim to build on their previous successes and navigate the upcoming season with a strong morale and a solid sense of teamwork. Chris Jans’ efforts to cultivate both talent and strong interpersonal relationships could prove significant as the Bulldogs seek to maintain their competitive standings in college basketball and push for another NCAA tournament appearance.
This season’s practices and rapport among players suggest an encouraging atmosphere for the Mississippi State men’s basketball program, as they prepare for both the challenges of their schedule and the opportunity to enhance their legacy within the collegiate sports community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Football Begins 2025 Training Camp
Mississippi State Football Revamps Roster for Upcoming Season
MAIS Restructures Playoff Format for High School Athletics
Mississippi State Football Program Reflects on Rich History Amid Recruitment
Mississippi History Textbook Revised for Modern Classrooms
Mississippi State Baseball Continues to Shape MLB Landscape
Starkville Christian School Adjusts Basketball Coaching Roles
Mississippi State University Launches AI Initiative
Mississippi State University Launches AI Initiative
Starkville Little League Team Advances to Championship
Additional Resources
- Ole Miss Sports
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Men’s Basketball
- Roll Tide
- Google Search: Mississippi State Basketball team
- Good Bull Hunting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Hail State
- Google News: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Columbia Missourian
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.
