Mississippi State basketball is entering a new season with fresh optimism, largely thanks to the arrival of T Bartlett, a 6’10” center whose physical presence and skill set have already sparked excitement in Starkville.
Recently, Bulldogs star guard Josh Hubbard sat down with analyst Paul Jones of to discuss the freshman big man, offering insights that have fans eagerly anticipating what Bartlett could bring to the court. Hubbard’s comments underscored the potential impact of Bartlett’s size and abilities, hinting at a bright future for the player and the team.
In the interview, Jones posed a question about Bartlett’s unique qualities. “I know he just got here and he’s a freshman, but how different of a type of center is T Bartlett with his size and skills down low?” Jones asked.
Hubbard didn’t hesitate in his response: “Man, he’s a big guy for sure. Can’t teach his height and his size, so we’re excited to have him. We’re excited for the impact he can make as a freshman. Obviously, a huge guy, so we’re super excited to have him. We’re blessed to have him, and so we just want the best for him. If he puts the work in, he can be a man, he can be a scary guy.”
Hubbard’s words carry weight, coming from a key player on a Mississippi State squad that made the NCAA Tournament last season under head coach Chris Jans. With Bartlett now in the fold, the Bulldogs appear poised to add a new dimension to their roster, particularly in the frontcourt.
T Bartlett Brings High Expectations to Starkville
Bartlett arrives at Mississippi State as one of the most highly regarded recruits in the program’s recent history. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Bartlett honed his skills at Overtime Elite in Atlanta, Georgia, a competitive league known for producing top-tier talent.
Standing at 6’10” and weighing 274 pounds, he possesses the kind of frame that commands attention in the paint. His commitment to the Bulldogs in November 2024 was a significant win for Jans and his staff, who outrecruited programs like USC and Villanova to land the four-star prospect.
Bartlett earned his reputation through a blend of physical tools and on-court production. During his time at Overtime Elite, he showcased an ability to dominate the glass, protect the rim, and finish efficiently near the basket.
These attributes made him a consensus top-100 recruit and a cornerstone of Mississippi State’s No. 12-ranked recruiting class, which also includes fellow four-stars King Grace and Jamarion Davis-Fleming. His background as a versatile big man with a strong foundation gives Mississippi State a player who could contribute early while developing into a long-term asset.
Hubbard Sees a Game-Changer in Bartlett
Hubbard knows a thing or two about making an impact. The sophomore guard burst onto the scene last season, starting all 34 games and averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 34.5% from beyond the arc.
His accolades include a spot on the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Watch List and back-to-back Howell Trophies as Mississippi’s top collegiate player. As a leader on this Bulldogs team, Hubbard’s perspective on Bartlett offers a glimpse into what teammates expect from the freshman.
When asked about Bartlett, Hubbard zeroed in on his most obvious asset: size. “Can’t teach his height and his size,” he told Jones, pointing to the natural advantages that set Bartlett apart. At 6’10”, Bartlett towers over most opponents, and his 274-pound frame adds a layer of physicality that’s tough to match.
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Hubbard’s excitement wasn’t just about the present, though. His comment, “If he puts the work in, he can be a man, he can be a scary guy,” suggests confidence in Bartlett’s ceiling, provided the freshman commits to refining his game.
Hubbard’s endorsement matters because it reflects a teammate’s belief in Bartlett’s ability to contribute right away. Mississippi State has leaned on its guards in recent years, but the addition of a dominant center could shift the team’s dynamic, giving players like Hubbard more space to operate on the perimeter.
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