Benefitting From A Bulldog Brotherhood

STARKVILLE – There is so much potential in Adrian Myers. The Mississippi State men's basketball freshman forward showed in high school how he can do a little bit of everything. He can score. He can rebound. He's an extremely exciting, versatile piece.

Yet maybe the best quality Myers has is his attitude, and the great news for the Bulldogs is a similar demeanor can be found in each of State's talented freshmen including Myers, fellow forward Gai Chol and guards Josh Hubbard and Harrison Alexander.

After a recent practice earlier this month, Myers spoke for himself, but the words could've easily come from the mouths of any of State's freshmen.

"I'm just here to do whatever I can do to make this team win," Myers said. "Whatever role I'm given is good with me. I'm just going to try to do it to the fullest so we can win."

Talk to any of the State freshmen and you'll quickly discover a commitment to team success over any individual accomplishments. These guys seem wise beyond their years. They're in Starkville with the goal of helping the Bulldogs celebrate and cut down nets. That's the primary focus.

"That's what we're all here for," Myers said. "It's not to get our own. It's not about ourselves. It's about winning, and then winning is what leads you to the next level."

Adds Chol: "Winning is the big thing for me. Even back in high school, that's how I've always been. Whether it's getting one rebound or two points or whatever. I only want to win."

Considering their mindsets, it's easy to see why Myers, Chol, Hubbard and Alexander have quickly fit in with their new teammates. The Bulldogs showed last year in head coach Chris Jans' first season that they're all hungry for Ws above absolutely anything else. Their commitment to prioritizing the satisfaction of victory led them to the NCAA Tournament and now, everyone is aiming even higher than simply getting the chance to dance in March.

To accomplish that – and to keep Bulldog basketball strong into the future – it'll take developing State's youngest hoopsters. All the freshmen are quick to brag on how the MSU veterans have taken them under their wings and shown them the ropes.

"It's been a brotherhood since first stepping on the court here," Myers said. "During practice. After practice. We're brothers."

Chol has felt the love as well. The big man from Juba, South Sudan has quickly bonded with his fellow Bulldogs.

"Everybody is like family here," Chol said. "Everybody has been talking and engaging me even from the very first time I came. Everything was just normal."

Both Hubbard and Alexander can't say enough about the guidance they've received from the older Dawgs.

"They've been great," Alexander said. "Coming in, it has been hard to adjust, but they've been helping a lot with the adjustment…All the older guys have been helping us along. It's been nice."

Said Hubbard: "If I ever look confused or need help, guys in my position like Rams [] and Shak [] that have experience under Coach Jans will help me with little tips, get me through some things and teach me some things as well."

Aside from the boost Hubbard and Alexander have gotten from the State vets, their adjustment to college hoops has also been aided by the fact they had a built-in brotherhood before ever putting on the Maroon and White. The two Magnolia State products were high school teammates down at Madison-Ridgeland Academy.

"We're just continuing on what we built when we were young in high school – just continuing it now and facing new challenges together," Hubbard said. "We've got each other's back and support when we need help."

Don't let all the talk of togetherness and unity overshadow just how great State's freshmen could be individually. Some might have a more immediate impact than others, but all have the capability to shine at State this year and beyond if they simply put in the work. And work is something none of these guys mind, as Hubbard indicates.

"I was at the top of the food chain my whole high school career," Hubbard said. "[This is] like another restart for me. It takes me back to when I was in eighth grade and had to work my way up. That's what I'm trying to do now…Work hard, get with the guys, have a good first impression and move on from there."

Jans certainly sees bright futures for his guys, whether it's in the immediate future or on down the line. Always one to tell it like it is, Jans gives honest praise when it comes to where the freshmen stand.

On Hubbard: "He's arguably the most decorated high school player in the history of Mississippi [high school] boys' basketball…Just a wonderful kid. You don't score the ball like [he does] if you don't invest the time in your game. He brings an unbelievable work ethic, determination and a want. He's been a sponge thus far, trying to learn and grow and pick things up quickly. He's going to have a chance to make a huge impact…He's going to have to learn that he has to play both ends at a high level, like a lot of kids like him coming from high school have to do. Josh is no different. He's such a bright kid and such a motivated kid that I think he will transition nicely into what we are trying to do."

On Myers: "If you had to ask me who I think is the best shooter on our team, it would be Adrian Myers walking in the door. He's got a beautiful stroke. It's just natural. He's got great hand-eye coordination. Every time he shoots it, I think it's going in. What a great skill set for 6'5", 6'6", and he's vertical athletically. His adjustment as well will be getting on the floor defensively and learning and understanding how important that is. Also, just getting his body right as a true freshman."

And On Chol: "We've been pleasantly surprised with where he was [when he arrived]. Another kid who has been working on his game. He's 6'11" and 235 pounds, and he's got good touch. He's got good touch around the basket. He can shoot the three already. He's not just a low-block player. He's got some perimeter skills to his game. He's a hard worker, and he loves it. Who knows? In our minds, anything he can give us would be a bonus walking in the door. We're still in that mindset, but he's going to be a really good player. It's just a matter of when."

Time will tell how Hubbard, Myers, Chol and even the walk-on, Alexander, impact the Bulldogs in the seasons to come, but they've all gotten off on the right foot.

They're learning, adapting and, most importantly, they're listening – both to Jans as well as their teammates, which has led to the quick connection amongst everybody.

"We're blessed," Myers said. "[The veterans] paved a path for us young, upcoming freshmen. They've shown us how hard we need to go. We've just got to follow and listen to them."

There's promise aplenty and no egos from these youngsters. It certainly seems like a winning combination for them and the Bulldogs as a whole.