Opinion: Josh Hubbard Will Be The Difference for Mississippi State in March

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs continued to push ahead with the 71-67 basketball win over Arkansas in Saturday in Starkville. Freshman guard Josh Hubbard led the Bulldogs with 19 points.

MSU returned all five starters from last year's NCAA tournament team, but that group lacked offensive explosion, which ultimately was their downfall. However, adding the all-time leading scorer in Mississippi high school basketball history has brought a new spark to the Bulldogs offense.

Hubbard has averaged 15 points per game this season and has always been willing to take the big shot despite his "rookie" status. In the win over the Razorbacks, MSU trailed by two with just under a minute remaining, then the 5-10 guard elevated and nailed a 3-pointer to give Mississippi State the lead.

The former MRA Patriot has made a habit of hitting clutch shots as he also drained a crucial 3-pointer in the Bulldogs' 64-58 win at home against Auburn on Jan. 27. It was followed by Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans yet again praising Hubbard's work effort and mentality.

"You know, I don't think he's ever really had a bad practice," Jans said. "I like guys that show up to practice or film or weights and are ready to work."

Heading into Wednesday's rivalry game against Ole Miss on Wednesday (8 p.m. CT, ESPN2), the Bulldogs are projected to be part of March Madness, which would be the first time since 2004-2005 that MSU has had back-to-back appearances in the big dance. Chances are, Hubbard will be the difference between a first-round exit and the Bulldogs making a run.

This is not to say that Mississippi State lacks talent elsewhere because the Bulldogs have All-SEC big man Tolu Smith, two elite on-ball defenders in Cameron Matthews and D.J. Jeffries, and two solid guards with Dashawn Davis and Shakeel Moore. However, Hubbard is the most natural scorer on the roster with his ability to make shots in many ways, whether it be a set shot or elevating and making a shot off the dribble.

Another underrated part of his game is his ability to get to the rim. March Madness is known for its chaos and unpredictable outcomes, and the Madison, Miss. native has all the makings of a player who could gain some national notoriety for his play.

Hubbard is often the smallest player on the floor, but once the game begins one could hardly tell because of his fearless style and never shying away from the big moment. It is cliche to dub a player a "closer," but Hubbard is certainly that for Mississippi State. Whenever the Bulldogs have a chance to advance on a final shot, more often than not he's going to be the one taking it.

The Bulldogs faced an opportunity like that last year, trailing by two points to Pitt in the play-in-game, and Moore launched a 3 from the corner that went in and out to end their season. Current projections have MSU anywhere from a seven or nine seed, which, if that holds up means the Bulldogs are looking a tough first-round matchup, and would likely be heavy underdogs if they advance.

Whenever MSU has pulled an upset this year, Hubbard has been at the center of it. Granted, the Bulldogs know they have to play good defense and avoid a shootout at all costs, but the outlier is Hubbard could easily put up 25 points in any game. That's something MSU didn't have a season ago, and, in theory, should ease some of the pressure or everyone else to play perfectly.

It's a lot of pressure for, but Hubbard has shown he is no ordinary freshman while becoming a fan favorite.

Mississippi State Guard Josh Hubbard Earns Fourth Freshman Of The Week Honor