Mississippi State Aims for 3rd Straight NCAA Tournament Under Jans

In the United States, Mississippi State's men’s basketball team aims for a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under coach Chris Jans after successfully qualifying for the tournament in 2022 and 2023, which was their first back-to-back appearances since 2009. The Bulldogs struggled at the end of last season, losing six of their last eight games, culminating in a first-round NCAA loss to Michigan State. However, they managed to secure their tournament spot with significant SEC Tournament victories against LSU and Tennessee. The team has undergone significant changes since last season, losing key players such as Tolu Smith III and Shakeel Moore. Nonetheless, they are retaining 45% of their scoring, and sophomore guard Josh Hubbard emerges as a vital player. Hubbard was the team’s leading scorer during 2023, ranking seventh in the Southeastern Conference, and he set a school record for three-pointers made. The upcoming season will see Hubbard wearing a new jersey number and aiming to strengthen his performance further. The Bulldogs are not only focusing on individual player development but also gearing up for a challenging schedule ahead, which includes high-profile matchups against ranked opponents. Their season starts on November 4, and the team aims to build on last year’s achievements while addressing the departure of important players. MSU's performance this season could shape their trajectory in future NCAA tournaments and SEC standings.