Mississippi State has had 2 encouraging seasons to begin the Chris Jans era in Starkville. Both featured 20 wins and trips to the NCAA Tournament.

As the Bulldogs look to build on the foundation Jans has set, Friday feels like a potentially huge day for the program. Veteran forward Cam Matthews announced on his social media that he will be returning for the 2024-25 campaign, utilizing the extra year of eligibility granted to athletes because of COVID. On the same day, Penn State transfer guard Kanye Clary announced his commitment to the program.

 

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“We’ve got more memories to make and more goals to achieve,” Matthews wrote. “I’m excited to announce that I’ll be wearing the maroon and white one more time in 2024-2025. I’m appreciative to coach Jans and our staff for the lessons they’ve taught me and for trusting me to be a leader. I work hard every day to be the best player I can be and can’t wait for what’s in store next season.”

Matthews has 132 appearances across his 4 seasons with the program. With Jans in town, Matthews has been a starter in 67 of his 68 games. This season, he averaged 9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 steals (second in the SEC). He earned All-SEC Defense honors for his efforts.

 

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Clary, a 5-foot-11 guard from Virginia Beach, spent his freshman and sophomore seasons as Penn State, where he was instantly a contributor. He played in 32 games as a true freshman, averaging 10.4 minutes a night. This season, he averaged 29.5 minutes across 23 appearances and 20 starts.

Throughout the first 2 years of his career, Clary has per-40 averages of 19.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He has knocked down 45% of his shots and 36% of his 3s thus far.

Clary stepped right into a major role for the Nittany Lions this season, leading the team in scoring at 16.7 points a game. He takes and makes big shots and, if paired with All-SEC guard Josh Hubbard, should make for an electric backcourt.

Hubbard averaged 17.1 points a game as a freshman this season for MSU, earning All-SEC Tourney recognition at the SEC Tournament and SEC All-Freshman honors.