Mississippi State’s Jans Looks Ahead to SEC Tournament in Media Session

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Chris Jans spoke to reporters Monday ahead of the SEC Tournament in Nashville. The Bulldogs face Auburn at 2 p.m. Wednesday on the SEC Network and via the ESPN app.

Jans said the team is preparing for the tournament with experience, noting that veteran transfers have played in similar postseason environments. He added that younger players are gaining valuable experience despite being new to such stages.

Regarding standout player Josh Hubbard, Jans praised his growth as a leader and scorer. He highlighted Hubbard’s maturation since his freshman year, emphasizing his work ethic and humility. Jans expects Hubbard to earn all-conference honors but noted he cannot vote for his own players.

Jans discussed the rematch with Auburn, noting Hubbard’s impact in the first game. He anticipates Auburn will have a plan to slow Hubbard down and said his team must adapt accordingly. The coach stressed the importance of preparation and familiarity as the tournament approaches.

He also praised Tee Bartlett’s progress, citing his physical development and dedication. Jans said Bartlett’s offseason will be crucial as he aims to help the team next season. Reflecting on a previous win over Auburn, Jans credited strong defense and key plays for the victory and emphasized the need for consistent effort.

Jans expressed motivation to continue Mississippi State’s streak of SEC Tournament wins and discussed strategies to keep the team motivated. He acknowledged the increased intensity of tournament play and expressed appreciation for media coverage, recognizing the challenges faced by reporters covering a struggling team.

He concluded by thanking the media for their professionalism and support, understanding that coverage may be more challenging when a team is not performing well.

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