Hubbard Chosen Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch List

by Matt Dunaway, Director/Communications

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – For the second consecutive year, Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard secured a spot as one of 20 players recognized on the prestigious Bob Cousy Award Watch List announced Monday by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The annual Bob Cousy Award, named after the Class of 1971 Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic and Holy Cross guard, celebrates its 23rd season by highlighting the top point guard in Division I men's college basketball.

The Naismith Starting Five Awards are named after Cousy [point guard], Jerry West [shooting guard], Julius Erving [small forward], Karl Malone [power forward] and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar [center].

As a program, the Bulldogs have had a player listed for one of the Naismith Starting Five Awards on seven occasions headed by each of the last three seasons.

Prior to Hubbard, Tolu Smith III now playing for the NBA's Detroit Pistons was listed on the 2023-24 Malone Award preseason list. Reggie Perry was tabbed a top 5 finalist for the 2019-20 Malone Award whereas Quinndary Weatherspoon was selected among 10 finalists for the 2018-19 West Award.

For this year's award, Hubbard is one of seven SEC players on the Cousy Award list. He is joined by Darius Acuff (Arkansas), Boogie Fland (Florida), Ja'kobi Gillespie (Tennessee), Jaland Lowe (Kentucky), Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn) and Labaron Philon (Alabama).

In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Cousy Award will be narrowed to 10. Then in late February, to just 5. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Cousy, and the Hall of Fame's selection committees, where winners will be selected. The award winner and presentation details will be revealed at the 2026 NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis.

The selection committees for the Cousy Award are composed of top men's college basketball personnel which includes media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.

In nine days, State takes on North Alabama (Nov. 5 – 8 p.m. CT – SEC Network) for its 2025-26 season opener at Humphrey Coliseum and officially embark on the program's fourth season under Chris Jans, who has guided State to three consecutive NCAA Tournament trips.

Hubbard finished his sophomore season with 1,240 career points which is the most during the 2000s and the fourth-most among SEC freshmen/sophomores trailing only Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (LSU • 1989-90), Allan Houston (Tennessee • 1990-91) and Bernard King (Tennessee • 1975-76).

Hubbard's 1,240 points is third-most in State history through 69 games and ranks 27th overall on the program's all-time list. He is joined by Bailey Howell (1957-58-59) and Jamont Gordon (2006-07-08) as the only players in school history to amass multiple seasons with 550+ points.

Hubbard has canned a school-record 108 three-pointers during each of his first two seasons. Overall, he's tied for fifth in program history with 216 three-pointers and has made a three-pointer in a school-record 47 consecutive games entering 2025-26.

Hubbard became the first State player to pile up at least 600 points and 100 assists during the same season. He was one of 10 major conferences players (ACC, BIG EAST, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) to accomplish the feat in 2024-25.

Hubbard and Erick Dampier are the only State players to earn All-SEC honors during their freshmen and sophomore seasons.

Jans is one of four coaches in SEC history to amass at least 21 victories and guide his squad to a NCAA Tournament appearance during each of his first three seasons. The Maroon and White are looking to secure four straight NCAA Tournament bids for the second time in program history.

Men's basketball season tickets are on sale now and start at $225, plus fees. Fans interested in purchasing new season tickets can do so by clicking HERE or calling (662) 325-2600.

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

Hubbard Chosen Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch List

Players Mentioned

Josh Hubbard

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