Mississippi State’s Coach Jans Discusses Freshmen Development and Upcoming Game Against Arkansas
STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Chris Jans spoke with the media Monday ahead of the Bulldogs’ SEC matchup against No. 21 Arkansas on Saturday. The team has a midweek bye before resuming conference play at Humphrey Coliseum.
Jans discussed the emergence of freshmen Jamarion Davis-Fleming and King Grace. He said Davis-Fleming has gradually improved since the start of the season and continues to develop. “He’s getting better and better,” Jans said. “He’s emerging as a key part of our rotation.”
Regarding Grace, Jans noted the challenges all freshmen face with the learning curve. He said Grace was frustrated in the fall but has dedicated extra time to improve his fundamentals. “He’s stuck with it,” Jans said. “The game is slowing down for him. He’s understanding the importance of defense and physicality.” Jans added that Grace’s competitiveness was evident when he won a mile run during team workouts in June, reflecting his confidence and drive.
Jans also praised players Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps for their resilience. Hubbard, who has dealt with a back spasm, managed to contribute significantly in Saturday’s game. Epps, a proven scorer, has maintained confidence despite recent shooting struggles. Both players made key shots that kept Mississippi State competitive.
The coach emphasized the importance of consistency from Quincy Ballard, who had an outstanding game against LSU. Jans said Ballard is a dependable player who shows up every day and is capable of high-level performances. “He’s an everyday guy,” Jans said. “He’s proven he can bounce back from tough games.”
Looking ahead to Arkansas, Jans admitted he hasn’t studied the Razorbacks extensively but acknowledged their talent. He highlighted Arkansas guard Darius Acuff as one of the best freshmen nationally and noted the team’s overall depth. The Razorbacks are coming off a tough loss at home but are also in their bye week.
Jans said his focus remains on his team and preparing for the upcoming challenge, emphasizing the importance of staying disciplined and focused as they aim to improve in the second half of SEC play.
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