Q&A: A Bulldog Chat With Mississippi State Guard Josh Hubbard
Mississippi State basketball freshman guard Josh Hubbard is one of the emerging freshman players in the SEC this year.
Hubbard has become an emerging talent off the bench, currently is second on the Bulldogs in points per game (14.8) and ranks third on the team in three point percentage (35.5 percent).
I had the opportunity to speak with Hubbard this week about his basketball career, his time with Mississippi State, and what he hopes to achieve with the team moving forward.
Q: You attended Madison-Ridgland Academy (MRA) in high school and have become the all time scoring leader in Mississippi high school history. How does it feel to be compared to players such as Devin Booker and others who have played here in state?
Hubbard: It's unbelievable. You know, there's a lot of great names so they can score the ball out of high school, like Chris Jackson, and like you said, Devin Booker, and you know, just to be on a list with those names, it's definitely an unreal feeling. So it was definitely a blessing to have that record under my belt.
Q: Speaking of those types of players, who are your basketball idols growing up?
Hubbard: Growing up, when I was little, I loved Derrick Rose, you know, he could do a little bit of everything. Now I try to look at my game. Mostly there's Jaylen Brown and Damian Lillard, and Chris Paul as well, you know, in the league. They can do a little bit of everything.
Q: Growing up in high school and now being in college, have you ever had anyone doubt you and if so, how did you address them?
Hubbard: Just giving them the advice that I was given when I was little asking the same questions. Just saying, you know, like me workouts or what helped me to do to create this ability that I have, just give me the best advice that I could.
Q: During your recruitment, you originally committed to Ole Miss but flipped to Mississippi State. What attracted you to Chris Jans and what he had going on at Mississippi State?
Hubbard: Just to see what he's done and the team has done in his first year, making the tournament, and this decision that they created, definitely was motivating for me to pick [Mississippi State], and you know, he's a winning coach, one of the most winningest coaches in the country. They're still active, and you know, it's hard to pass up on a opportunity like this.
Q: How was the transition going from high school basketball to a very, much more gritty league like the SEC?
Hubbard: As far as I know, it was tough. I'm still adjusting to SEC play and you know, how that's gone. I just try keep my head up. Try not to get frustrated in the tough moments and keep my head up high.
Q: Who was the hardest opponent you played so far this year?
Hubbard: All the SEC teams are hard. I don't think I could pick this one. They are all tough. Every team is anything and that can be anything. That's how crazy honestly it is.
Q: There are some veterans on the team like Tolu Smith and D.J. Jeffries. How's that veteran presence affected you and your growth here?
Hubbard: They help us lead our team, every game, every practice. They've definitely helped me with the aspect of my game and I'm just trying to pick their brains on the experience they had over the years that they had in college in general. So they definitely have me in a big part of our team.
Q: Do you like to do anything outside of basketball? Either just you or the team as a bonding method?
Hubbard: Most definitely. We hang out with each other a lot, whether that's at each other's crib or at somebody's apartment or just going out for or for a bite to eat.We always hang out with each other. We treat each other as family so it's not question about that.
Q: Do you have any hobbies you like to do outside of basketball?
Hubbard: I like to hang out with friends. I like to watch movies. Just the act of having fun, you know, making memories. That's about all I do, oh and video games.
Q: Any particular or favorite video games you are playing right now?
Hubbard: Call of Duty [laughs].
Q: Do you have any interesting or funny stories from your time here at Mississippi State so far?
Hubbard: Funny moments was probably just being in the locker room after wins with the team. There's a lot of funny moments, but that was probably the most enjoyable you know. There's a lot of those moments on the media sports page, so those are enjoyable, fun moments.
Q: The team's upcoming slate includes Arkansas this weekend, and after that you are playing Ole Miss and LSU next week. what is your mindset moving forward during this stretch as well as towards March with a potential bid into the NCAA Tournament?
Hubbard: Just take it one game at a time. We can't pass on any team on to the next game or anything like that. Just taking one game at a time, trying to go 1-0 for the day on those game days and just playing together at our best and, like you said, hoping to get that seed or a chance to play in March Madness. So we can't pass up on any opportunity looking at everybody and saying all right.
