Taylor Up For New Challenge
July 03, 2023 | Men's Basketball, Joel Coleman
Andrew Taylor comes to Starkville aiming to prove he can thrive in the SEC.
STARKVILLE – Chat with Andrew Taylor for a few minutes and you'll quickly pick up on how the new Mississippi State guard possesses a controlled confidence.
The graduate transfer from Marshall believes in himself. He feels he has the talent and ability to shine in Starkville just as he did for the last four years with the Thundering Herd. In a way, his confidence is a primary reason he's at MSU. He's ready to compete with and against the best of the best.
"Something I have learned over the years is once you are the best in the gym, you need to find a new gym," Taylor said. "I think coming in here and learning how to play with some of these dudes who were top players in their classes in the country – they came in with a chip on their shoulder. If we're able to come together and put it all together, that's what I'm looking forward to [being a part of]."
Taylor certainly adds a dynamic element to head coach Chris Jans' Bulldogs in MSU's quest to return to the NCAA Tournament. He's fresh off a year at Marshall where he was one of the most productive players in the country.
In 2022-23, Taylor was the only NCAA player to average at least 20 points, 4.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and two steals per game. Deservedly, Taylor was an All-Sun Belt First-Team pick. The gaudy numbers and accolades were no fluke either.
Taylor has a top-tier work ethic. It's how he doubled his scoring average over his four-year Marshall career, going from 10.1 points per game as a freshman to 20.2 a season ago. Already, Jans has been impressed with the effort Taylor has been giving now that he's wearing Maroon and White.
"He's a hoops junkie and a gym rat," Jans said. "He's always in there working on his game. He's an everyday guy. He's consistent with his approach."
The blue-collar style of Taylor should give him a leg up on adapting his style of play to that of Jans.
Taylor admits he's more known for his offense than his defense. Of course, Jans requires his players to be tough as nails defensively. No problem. Taylor is more than ready to try to rise to his new coach's standards.
"I've got [the offensive part] down," Taylor said. "I was a Top-25 scorer in the country last year…One of the things I think I can work on is defense. So, who better to go to than 'The Dentist'? [Jans] is known for defense. Playing against his defense is like going to the dentist apparently. That's what I'm coming to try and be a part of."
Taylor is under no illusion that it'll be easy. He knows there'll be a learning curve to meet Jans' demands. In fact, he's just fine with that.
"I like to put myself through hell," Taylor said. "It's a good hell in my eyes because I enjoy working out. I enjoy busting my butt trying to get better…Especially with this new group of guys. We're able to elevate each other."
Speaking of those teammates of Taylor's, he says the Dawgs have quickly embraced him. It's really no surprise for a group whose run last year was in part fueled by a close-knit bond.
"They've brought me in with open arms," Taylor said. "From the first week, I didn't know what to expect. I'm just someone who has already been through the ropes and coming in as a new guy looking for some playing time. They have accepted me. They've held me through the weight room and taught me the ropes. They've helped me [through practice]. They tell me to keep my head up, watch the guy in front of me and just learn. That's what I'm doing. I'm just trying to learn from these guys."
The Bulldogs are helping an already-skilled Taylor get even better, and Taylor wants to return the favor by taking an already-talented MSU roster up another level.
Every one of them are hungry to do big things, none any more than Taylor whose confidence and desire to strive for the biggest of goals should serve as a constant positive presence for the Dawgs.
"Here, we shouldn't be satisfied with just being in the Tournament," Taylor said. "Let's win the SEC. Let's get to the Final Four. If [other teams] can do it, Mississippi State can do it. Especially getting [Tolu Smith] back. You've already got [Cameron Matthews]. He's still here and does his thing. You've got D.J. Jeffries tough as nails. He was a five-star [recruit] coming out [of high school]. He can shoot the ball, dribble, pass and whatever you need him to do. You got Rams [Dashawn Davis] and [Shakeel Moore] at the guard spots coming back. Hopefully, I can add my shooting touch and my scoring touch to it all, and we can go the distance."
