Mississippi State’s Coach Jans Discusses Last Season, Roster and Future

Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Chris Jans spoke with the media Tuesday afternoon before a summer workout. He reflected on the previous season, calling it a humbling experience and acknowledging lessons learned. Jans said, “It definitely was a humbling experience” and admitted it was a season unlike any he had encountered as a head coach.

Jans emphasized the importance of moving forward and learning from setbacks. He said the team is in a phase of growth and that the offseason focus was on roster improvements. “We needed more scoring and positional size defensively,” he explained. “There were holes to fill, and we’ll see in the coming months how well we did.”

The coach also discussed the current team dynamic, noting a positive energy in the gym despite the lack of adversity so far. “The mood and vibe are really good right now,” Jans said. “The players, staff, managers—they’ve been on time, ready to go, and have a great approach.”

Jans highlighted changes to the coaching staff, including the addition of former player Shunn Buchanan, who previously served as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State. He also praised newcomer Corey Barker and Alex Barlow, noting Barlow’s professional background with the Boston Celtics and familiarity with coach Brad Stevens.

Regarding team leadership, Jans praised senior guard Josh Hubbard, saying he has been exceptional so far. “His energy, approach, and leadership have been at an elite level,” Jans stated. He added that Hubbard is excited about his new teammates and is committed to avoiding past mistakes as the team prepares for the season.

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