Mississippi
Mississippi State basketball’s Shawn Jones reveals favorite player. His name is Josh Hubbard
NASHVILLE — Star Mississippi State basketball guard Josh Hubbard has plenty of fans. Some of them are in his own locker room.
The No. 10-seeded Bulldogs dominated No. 15 seed LSU 91-62 on Wednesday in the first round of the SEC tournament. Hubbard, a sophomore, scored 26 points in the blowout and shot 6-for-12 on 3-pointers.
It was enough to impress MSU junior guard Shawn Jones, who scored nine points for the Bulldogs (21-11).
“That’s my favorite player,” Jones said. “I see the work (Hubbard) puts in. Everything he does. He’s a great person. A man of God. It’s just different. He makes a way for us.”
What Shawn Jones said about Josh Hubbard after SEC Tournament win vs. LSU
Josh Hubbard is Mississippi State guard Shawn Jones’ favorite player
Junior Mississippi State basketball guard Shawn Jones had high praise for his star teammate Josh Hubbard after the Bulldogs’ 91-62 win over LSU
Hubbard, a sophomore, has had a phenomenal start to his career. He recently became a back-to-back Howell Trophy winner, which is awarded to the top player in Mississippi. Hubbard is No. 4 in the SEC in scoring. He averages 18.5 points.
Hubbard’s 26 points against LSU (14-18) tied for his third-highest output of the season. He scored a season-high 38 against Alabama.
Jones’ favoritism isn’t a secret. Jones and Hubbard have played on MSU together for two seasons. He said they have a brotherly bond, and that he loves Hubbard.
Mississippi State will play No. 7-seeded Missouri (21-10) on Thursday (7 p.m., SEC Network).
“You could go ask (Hubbard) right now,” Jones said. “He’ll tell you. He knows he’s my favorite player.”
Sam Hutchens covers sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_