WATCH: Josh Hubbard and Shawn Jones Jr. Media Session
June 05, 2025 | Men's Basketball
STARKVILLE - Josh Hubbard and Shawn Jones Jr. met to the media on Thursday as summer workouts began for Mississippi State men's basketball earlier this weekÂ
2025-26 Mississippi State Men's Basketball Quotes
Media Session – June 5, 2025
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Guards Josh Hubbard and Shawn Jones Jr.
Q: I know it's only been a couple of days just starting summer workouts, but what sticks out to you about the transfers and the freshmen?
SJJ: "They're all just really ready to buy in. They come ready to work, and they're going to give it their all so far from what I've seen these last two days that we've been at it."
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JH: "Like Shawn said, I've seen the buy in from all of them really. They're hungry, and they want to do what it takes to play and to win. We've been with [Coach] Jans ever since we've got here [as freshmen]. They've asked us questions, and they've asked us what it's like. They've been eager to listen. That's the most the important and the best thing that I've seen so far."
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Q: For Shawn, Coach Jans talked about you being his first four-year guy at Mississippi State. Can you talk about that loyalty from both sides, and what it means to you?
SJJ: "It means a lot. He [Coach Jans] gave me an opportunity to come in and play right out of high school when nobody else would. I've took advantage of it. Me, showing my loyalty to him, was staying here and grinding it out with him because he puts me in the best position that I can. I wouldn't rather be at any other place than with Coach Jans."
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Q: Josh, you're back from the NBA Draft process. What went into the decision to return to Mississippi State, and what did you feel that you learned about yourself?
JH: "I learned a lot. I learned a lot about my game and what I can improve on. Obviously, I want to be the best player that I can be. I want to bring those things back for me as an individual and to the team as well. I'm not satisfied. We have a lot more in-store for this program, and I'm excited to be back." Â
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Q: For both of you, I know you've been leaders in the past. How do you plan on embracing more of a leadership role with someone like Cameron Matthews who has graduated?
SJJ: "Me and Hubb sticking together. We learned from Mook [Cameron Matthews], Tolu [Smith III] and all the guys who are no longer with us. We know the footsteps that we have to fill now. Me and Hubb talking daily, just having deep conversations what can make us better and what can make the team better. That's what is going to make us into the best leaders that we can be."
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JH: "Most definitely, just piggybacking off of what Shawn said – the experience that we've had in the SEC and with Coach Jans, I think that's going to help us as at team to take that next step. We know the season's that we've been through, and we know what it takes to make that leap."
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Q: What personally are you both trying to improve on during summer workouts and heading into next season?
SJJ: "For me, it's upping the whole program and taking everything to another level. That's defense, offense. My main focus is going to be knocking down wide-open shots and being more aggressive on the offensive end. Also, just showing my teammates and having them have that same aggressiveness that I have. We want to try and be one of the best defensive teams in the nation."
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JH: "Just grinding and getting one percent better each day. One thing we work on each day is being more vocal and showing those leadership skills. Those are the main things to get better at this summer."
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Q: Josh, I know you've had a relationship with Jamarion Davis-Fleming before he got to campus. What do you feel he's potential can be?
JH: "Yeah, I'm super excited for him. He's played in my showcase the last couple of years. To see his growth from then to now at college stage, it's crazy and full circle for sure. To see him in his first workout yesterday was a blessing. I know his parents and his family. I'm super excited for him, and he deserves everything. Like we all do, he has more work to do. I wish him the best for sure."
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2025-26 Mississippi State Men's Basketball Quotes
Media Session – June 5, 2025
Â
Guards Josh Hubbard and Shawn Jones Jr.
Q: I know it's only been a couple of days just starting summer workouts, but what sticks out to you about the transfers and the freshmen?
SJJ: "They're all just really ready to buy in. They come ready to work, and they're going to give it their all so far from what I've seen these last two days that we've been at it."
Â
JH: "Like Shawn said, I've seen the buy in from all of them really. They're hungry, and they want to do what it takes to play and to win. We've been with [Coach] Jans ever since we've got here [as freshmen]. They've asked us questions, and they've asked us what it's like. They've been eager to listen. That's the most the important and the best thing that I've seen so far."
Â
Q: For Shawn, Coach Jans talked about you being his first four-year guy at Mississippi State. Can you talk about that loyalty from both sides, and what it means to you?
SJJ: "It means a lot. He [Coach Jans] gave me an opportunity to come in and play right out of high school when nobody else would. I've took advantage of it. Me, showing my loyalty to him, was staying here and grinding it out with him because he puts me in the best position that I can. I wouldn't rather be at any other place than with Coach Jans."
Â
Q: Josh, you're back from the NBA Draft process. What went into the decision to return to Mississippi State, and what did you feel that you learned about yourself?
JH: "I learned a lot. I learned a lot about my game and what I can improve on. Obviously, I want to be the best player that I can be. I want to bring those things back for me as an individual and to the team as well. I'm not satisfied. We have a lot more in-store for this program, and I'm excited to be back." Â
Â
Q: For both of you, I know you've been leaders in the past. How do you plan on embracing more of a leadership role with someone like Cameron Matthews who has graduated?
SJJ: "Me and Hubb sticking together. We learned from Mook [Cameron Matthews], Tolu [Smith III] and all the guys who are no longer with us. We know the footsteps that we have to fill now. Me and Hubb talking daily, just having deep conversations what can make us better and what can make the team better. That's what is going to make us into the best leaders that we can be."
Â
JH: "Most definitely, just piggybacking off of what Shawn said – the experience that we've had in the SEC and with Coach Jans, I think that's going to help us as at team to take that next step. We know the season's that we've been through, and we know what it takes to make that leap."
Â
Q: What personally are you both trying to improve on during summer workouts and heading into next season?
SJJ: "For me, it's upping the whole program and taking everything to another level. That's defense, offense. My main focus is going to be knocking down wide-open shots and being more aggressive on the offensive end. Also, just showing my teammates and having them have that same aggressiveness that I have. We want to try and be one of the best defensive teams in the nation."
Â
JH: "Just grinding and getting one percent better each day. One thing we work on each day is being more vocal and showing those leadership skills. Those are the main things to get better at this summer."
Â
Q: Josh, I know you've had a relationship with Jamarion Davis-Fleming before he got to campus. What do you feel he's potential can be?
JH: "Yeah, I'm super excited for him. He's played in my showcase the last couple of years. To see his growth from then to now at college stage, it's crazy and full circle for sure. To see him in his first workout yesterday was a blessing. I know his parents and his family. I'm super excited for him, and he deserves everything. Like we all do, he has more work to do. I wish him the best for sure."
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Players Mentioned
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Thursday, June 05