Can This Potential X-Factor Counter Auburn's Versatility?
Ahead of their next game against No. 8 Auburn on Saturday, Mississippi State men's basketball head coach Chris Jans went into thorough detail about the Tigers' top-10 efficiency and talent on both sides of the ball.
Jans explained that his team will have to play "very very well" if they want a shot at the upset in Starkville Miss., but they'll have to stick to the way they typically play too. To counter any team's elite versatility, at least one player should be multifaceted and be able to guard/take on a majority of the positions regardless of size.
19 games in, it seems like at least one Bulldog can take on this role against Auburn, as forward Cameron Matthews averages the team's third-most points (9.1) and rebounds (6.5), the second-most assists (2.8) and blocks (0.7) and not only leads Mississippi State in steals per game, but he's second in the entire SEC as well (2.2).
Jans opened up about Matthews' versatility after a "different" performance against North Texas back in December. But during Thursday night's Dawg Talk radio show, he revealed one of Matthews' best assets ahead of the Auburn game.
"I think the most underrated quality that he possesses as a basketball player is his IQ," Jans said.
Jans explained that Thursday was the first time they started game planning for Auburn. They broke down film and did a walkthrough at half-speed on the court during practice. He said that Matthews' IQ helps him every practice, but he also utilizes it uniquely.
"He's developed into one of those guys that asks questions but also suggests 'Why don't we do this?' And I'll say 'yeah, I think you're right and let's roll with it,'" Jans said. "I love that. I love guys that are that focused, listening well and have the confidence to ask questions."
Jans said that more players have started to follow the senior and ask questions, which makes him "feel like the buy-in is really really high."
"He's the lead guy to say some things in huddles and practices," Jans said. "He provides a lot more than the stats that show up and he's pretty consistent every day."
Versatility, IQ and leadership. Taking down a top-10 team isn't easy by any means, but having each of these three traits in one player is a rarity.
Although Matthews is top-3 on the team in every major category, he provided a lot more than the stats that showed up when the Bulldogs upset then-No. 5 Tennessee 77-72 on Jan. 10. Who is to say that can't happen again on Saturday?
