State's Hubbard Wins Second Consecutive Howell Trophy

CHOCTAW, Mississippi – Josh Hubbard continued Mississippi State's dominance of the Howell Trophy, which is given to the state's top college player awarded Monday by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Named after Mississippi State legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Bailey Howell, Hubbard is the third Bulldog to be a two-time recipient of the honor joining program greats Jarvis Varnado (2008-09, 2009-10) and Quinndary Weatherspoon (2017-18, 2018-19).

The Madison native extends the Bulldogs run to seven of the last eight seasons to win the Howell Trophy presented by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort.

Hubbard is the sixth player in program history to amass 500+ points and 100+ assists during the same season joining All-SEC recipients Jamont Gordon (2006-07, 2007-08), Dee Bost (2011-12), Quinndary Weatherspoon (2017-18), D.J. Stewart Jr. (2020-21) and Iverson Molinar (2021-22).

Hubbard's 1164 points are second most among SEC freshmen and sophomore players during the 2000s trailing only Florida's Nick Calathes (1170 PTS). The 1164 points also are eighth in SEC history for players during their freshmen and sophomore seasons which includes the illustrious company of Mahmoud Abdul-Raul (LSU – 1854 PTS), Allan Houston (Tennessee – 1415 PTS), Bernard King (Tennessee – 1290 PTS), Jacky Dorsey (Georgia – 1234 PTS), Shaquille O'Neal (LSU – 1219 PTS) and James Robinson (Alabama – 1215 PTS).

Hubbard is joined by Howell (1957-58-59) and Gordon (2006-07-08) as the lone State players to rip off back-to-back seasons of 550+ points. He has piled up 1164 career points which is third highest in State history through 66 games behind Howell and Jerry Jenkins (1973-74-75).

Hubbard ranks among the SEC's top 15 in seven categories: points per game (18.26 – 4th), assist-turnover ratio (2.76 – 2nd), three-point field goals made (3.06 – 2nd), free throw percentage (88.5 – 2nd), three-point field goal percentage (34.3 – 8th), assists per game (3.29 – 13th) and field goal percentage (39.7 – 15th).

Hubbard has racked up double figures in 60 of 66 outings fueled by 15 of his 24 efforts of 20+ points versus SEC foes. He has sunk multiple triples in 56 of 66 career games and has hit at least one three-pointer in 42 consecutive games which set a program record breaking Darryl Wilson's mark during the Oklahoma game (02/22). The Madison native has already buried 203 treys which is already 6th on the program's all-time list.

Hubbard exploded for a career-best 38 points against No. 4 Alabama (01/29). The 38 points are the most for a State player during the 2000s, and the most points in program history versus a ranked opponent.

Over his last 11 outings, Hubbard has dialed up 21.9 points per game sparked by 36 triples. He has led the team in scoring during 31 of his 47 career starts since the Auburn game on 01/28/2024.

Hubbard, an ESPN top 100 recruit for the Class of 2023, capped his high school career as the state of Mississippi's all-time leading scorer with 4,367 career points. He broke a state record that stood for 37 years previously held by Mississippi State's Robert Woodard.

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

Mississippi State University Athletics

State's Hubbard Wins Second Consecutive Howell Trophy

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