After two games playing in Portugal with Mississippi State, First-Year Josh Hubbard proves to have the potential to make a major impact in the SEC. Josh averaged 15.5 points in his first two games, adding some good defense. Hubbard looks to keep Mississippi State relevant in national circles.
Josh Hubbard: SEC Sleeper Freshman
Hubbard’s Background
Hubbard originally signed to play ball with Ole Miss but decided to change his recruitment due to Kermit Davis and Ole Miss parting ways. On April 12, 2023, Josh signed his NLI with Mississippi State and has dominated in their summer trip. Hubbard was the leading scorer in Mississippi state history for high school. With 4,300 career points, Hubbard brings a lot of offensive success for the Bulldogs this upcoming season.
Josh’s Skillset
Speed and Explosion
Being the All-Time Leader in points in the Magnolia State, Hubbard brings a lot of skill to the table. He is only 5’10”, but he jumps out of the gym. He dunks with ease and produces highlight-level blocks in transition. Hubbard’s explosiveness makes him a good finisher at the basket, which is hard for smaller guards. He has the explosiveness to get up and finish over taller defenders.
His speed is also another impressive to his game. Josh gets by defenders with ease because of his quick first step. His quickness allows success in transition offensive and breaking down defenders in pick and roll.
Shot-Making
When it comes to his success on offense, Hubbard is a shot-maker. Josh shoots the ball well and in a variety of situations. He shoots step-backs, dribble pull-ups, and off the catch. Hubbard has the ball in his hands a lot, and an ability to shoot threes from NBA range and make them at a constant rate. He makes tough shots, which help offenses rely on someone to bail them out of tough situations in a game. Hubbard also shoots well in the midrange as he explodes quickly into his pull-up. Being a smaller guard, Josh needs a quick release on his jumper to get it off consistently. Therefore, Josh succeeds in stopping quickly and rising to make it difficult to contest his shot.
Additionally, Hubbard makes shots because of his array of dribble moves. He has go-to moves such as cross-jabs, or a hesitation. However, Josh counters his initial move. Add that to his speed, and he is a dominant offensive threat in one-on-one situations.
Competitiveness
Hubbard has the look of a player who wants to win it all. His competitiveness is a ray of sunlight for the Bulldogs because he takes it upon himself to try and win. Not only does he attempt to impact the game on offense, but defends his heart out on defense. In a conference with Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and more, the ability to take on the challenge defensively is crucial. Hubbard embraces success on both ends and brings a competitive nature that will find success in the SEC.
How Hubbard Helps the Bulldogs
Offensive Output
Mississippi State was 13th in the SEC out of 14 teams in points per game. Hubbard changes that issue. Josh brings scoring, up-tempo guard play, and the ability to pass well in pick-and-roll. The Bulldogs need a scorer and Hubbard is a terrific scorer and helps that issue work towards correction. To compete at a high level, Mississippi State must generate offense. Hubbard creates offense, so the Bulldogs will flow better on this end.
Shooting
Another issue for the Bulldogs is their shooting. They were 13th in the SEC in total threes made and last in shooting percentage. Hubbard makes threes and shoots well from all areas of the court. He adds a positive to a major negative for the Bulldogs. Therefore, Mississippi State excels because they added a player who shoots the ball effectively.
The Last Word
Josh Hubbard is a great addition to Mississippi State. He brings offensive production, passing, and competitiveness to make him an immediate impact player in the SEC. The college world must notice Hubbard and see the success he has with the Bulldogs.
