Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard has officially withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will return to Starkville for his junior campaign.
When Hubbard initially tossed his hat in the ring for a shot at becoming a pro, he maintained his collegiate eligibility. Wednesday’s decision will ensure a third year for the Madison native under Bulldog frontman Chris Jans’ tutelage.
The 5-foot-11 sophomore averaged a team-high 18.9 points to go along with 3.1 assists this past season, helping the Bulldogs to a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
Although Mississippi State fell in the tournament’s opening round to Baylor, Hubbard had a successful year two in Starkville and was named to the All-SEC second team. He also secured his second Howell Trophy, presented annually to the top men’s college basketball player in Mississippi, after winning it as a freshman in 2023-24.
Mississippi State will lean on Hubbard heavily as a veteran returner after losing notable contributors in Cam Matthews, Ke’Shawn Murphy, Riley Kugel, RJ Melendez, and Michael Nwoko. Jans did some vital work in the transfer portal, though, and reeled in Ja’Bhorri McGhee (UAB), Quincy Ballard (Wichita State), Amier Ali (Arizona State), Achor Achor (Kansas State), and Jayden Epps (Georgetown).
The Bulldogs will return to the hardwood in November.
