Matthews will return to Bulldogs
Guard Ciary also announces plans to join MSU team
It was a good news Friday for the Mississippi State men's basketball program.
After Kanye Clary made it known earlier in the day that he was coming out of the transfer portal to help the Bulldogs in the backcourt, current big man Cameron Matthews announced on social media that he was returning for one more season in Starkville.
Matthews has helped MSU to the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons and he's ready for more.
“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 2024-25.
“I'm appreciative to coach (Chris) 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 started all 35 games for the Bulldogs last season, was the third-leading scorer at 9.4 points per game and was the second-leading rebounder at 6.8 boards per contest. He led the team with 102 assists and 73 steals.
Jans has often called Matthews “the glue” that holds MSU together and has valued his effort over the last two years.
“He doesn't get enough credit for being as good of a basketball player as he is,” Jans said during the season.
As a native of Olive Branch, Matthews holds playing for the Bulldogs close to his heart.
“Being a student-athlete at Mississippi State means a lot to me and to my family, being a Mississippi kid,” Matthews wrote. “I'm extremely thankful that they've been with me every step of the way, and they've been able to see me grow these last four years.”
Matthews was not the only player to announce a return to MSU during the week as Shawn Jones Jr. did the same on Thursday. Jones played in 35 games for the Bulldogs last season with nine starts and averaged 4.5 points and two rebounds per game. He had 34 assists and 23 steals.
The pieces of Matthews and Jones will help strengthen the