Echoes Of The Hardwood: Part 5 Fan Support

by Matt Dunaway, Director/Communications

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State men's basketball team returns to the hardwood and caps a season opening three-game homestand against Southeastern Louisiana on Tuesday at Humphrey Coliseum.

Recently, the players were asked about what fan support means to them and how motivating it is to play in-front of a full arena on gamedays.

Josh Hubbard
"The fans help us win. We can't do it without the fans. They helped us tremendously last year in those big games against ranked teams. Without them, the success would be nothing. For this year, the fan support is really important because of the potential we have. What we can do as a team is out of this world. So, I hope the fans continue to come out again this season. I've heard already that they're ready. That makes me and my teammates happy."

Jeremy Foumena
"Man, it definitely motivates me. It definitely gets me more hyped and more locked in during the moment. I love me a packed arena. The fans from Mississippi, they're really family oriented with the team. Everywhere I go it's like, 'Oh, Jeremy,' talking about basketball. They always tell us that they're going to come to the games and support us."

Gai Chol
"I remember my first game here. It was a big, big thing for me. It felt unbelievable how many people and how many fans were here. Everybody is supporting. Everybody wants us to be good and wants us to be successful no matter what. It doesn't matter through our ups and downs. The fans are always there, which is what makes us good. When you see fans supporting you and having your back, you're going to succeed and do better. That's what everybody needs."

Cameron Matthews
"I'm grateful for the fans that we have that do come out and support us. I feel like we've got one of the tougher arenas in the SEC, especially when we get going. The way our fans get behind us, it's hard for anybody to go against that. Keep coming out, keep supporting us and keep helping us win games."

Trey Jackson III
"It's very motivating, and it's even extra motivating seeing all the faces and someone you might have grown up with or someone that you might go to church with. Seeing them in the crowd makes it hit home even more knowing that our community is behind us."

Shawn Jones Jr.
"I feel like nobody's better than our Bulldog fans, and I feel like they keep us going. They're what we need every game. Walking out and seeing them cheering us on, having a sold-out crowd, just brings joy to my heart. It shows they really care for us, and they love us."

Riley Kugel
"It means everything. The fans keep us going. It's what drives us and what motivates us. The Hump is a fun place to play at. Being here previously, it's hard not to play for the crowd or for your peers and your teammates in a place like this."

Adrian Myers
"The fans mean everything to us, because if we didn't have fans people probably wouldn't know who we are. We wouldn't have the love we get. So, we just try to go out there and put on a show for the fans."

Claudell Harris Jr.
"It's very motivating. I feel like the crowd is our sixth man. Hearing the crowd cheer your name, cheer for you, cheer against the opposing team, it gives you adrenaline and that confidence to play your best game."

Harrison Alexander
"It's amazing coming out of the locker room and hearing that crowd yelling and cheering for us. It just makes you all the more excited and more ready to play."

RJ Melendez
"It's amazing. I've heard so many great things about the Hump from when I played here last year. It wasn't as packed, but I've seen a lot of videos when it is. I'm really excited. I've seen how the fans treat every single player and the coach. Everywhere that he [Coach Jans] walks, he's greeted like he's a superstar. I'm really excited for the season and all the fans being able to come out and see the games."

Dellquan Warren
"It feels great to have a good support system here in Starkville. I can't wait to see the atmosphere especially once we get to conference play. I'm only a freshman. I haven't seen it yet, but I can't wait to see what it turns out being."

KeShawn Murphy
"It's a blessing, it's like a dream come true. For everybody to chant for us, for me, and for the journey, it's just a blessing."

EJ Paymon
"It means a lot, just for the fact of everyone taking time out of their day to come see us play. It really means a lot to us as players."

Kanye Clary
"At the end of the day, you come to college for new experiences and to meet new people and to better yourself as a person. Seeing all those fans, that just makes you want to go win for them. It's great to see how much they support our program."

Michael Nwoko
"It'll be different because it'll be my first time playing in-front of a home crowd like this. At Miami, we didn't really have a home crowd. I'm excited to see how it is to play at a school like Mississippi State that takes sports seriously."

Martavious Russell
"It means a lot. After all the hard work we put in daily, seeing the fans appreciate it, it really means a lot. It makes you feel like you're at home."

State has secured back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances fueled by a pair of 21-win campaigns with Coach Jans at the helm. The last time the Bulldogs collected back-to-back NCAA Tournament bids was during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. State will look to secure three straight NCAA Tournament trips for the third time in program history this season.

Fans can purchase single game tickets through Mississippi State's Athletic Ticket Office at www.HailState.com/tickets or by calling (662) 325-2600 / (888) 463-2947 (GO DAWGS).

Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its official social media accounts by searching 'HailStateMBK' on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Echoes Of The Hardwood: Part 5 Fan Support

Players Mentioned

Cameron Matthews

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