Cameron Matthews emphasizes importance of D.J. Jeffries to Mississippi State's success

Through 10 games, DJ Jeffries is having one of his better collegiate seasons. Few people are happy to see that more than his teammates at Mississippi State, including Cameron Matthews.

Matthews spoke about Jeffries’ importance following the Bulldogs’ latest win, an 85-81 win over Murray State, on Wednesday. He says much of his success so far has come from him just playing like they all know he can play. While it might not necessarily jump off the paper, Matthews knows that what Jeffries does helps them win, which, in the end, is all he cares about.

“Just him being himself,” said Matthews. “DJ has always been a guy, whether it’s scoring the ball or not? He’s just a really great player, he knows how to play.”

“He just does everything,” said Matthews. “Everything that he does doesn’t always equate to the box score. It’s just a win.”

Although Jeffries has reached double-figures in three of their last four games, he is still averaging a career-low of just 6.5 points per game. That’s 2.3 fewer points than his previous lows in scoring while in Starkville.

However, his presence is still being more than felt. Jeffries is posting career-highs by grabbing 6.6 rebounds per game and dishing 2.3 assists a content. He’s also 0.1 off from his career-best in steals at one per game.

In the four-point win over the Racers, Jeffries proved again that he can do more than just score. For the second straight game, he scored 11 points for a season-best. He also grabbed a dozen rebounds, though, for a season-best and his first double-double of the year. He handed out four assists as well en route to the team’s best all-around performance on the night.

In his graduate season, Jeffries is doing it all for Mississippi State. Matthews has been glad to watch it happen for him too as his fellow product out of Olive Branch.

“That’s what I like to see,” said Matthews.

Jans breaks down Shakeel Moore’s impact for Mississippi State

Shakeel Moore is a big reason why Mississippi State is rolling toward conference play with an 8-2 record.

He has emerged as a guy that Chris Jans has plugged into the starting lineup and he has not disappointed.

“I don’t know if that has anything to do with it or not. You’d have to ask him,” Jans said. “I know it’s a big shot in the arm for us when he can make some baskets for us. He’s usually one of our better defenders.”

“What he has done better this year than last year is he has found ways to cut behind the defense and get himself momentum toward the goal,” Jans explained. “And then he’s an excellent finisher for his size, he’s a great athlete, and he’s really, really got a craft around the goal to put it in. “

Moore is coming off his two most productive games of the season, scoring 16 points in a win over Murray State and 11 points in a win over Tulane.

“He has been doing that the last couple games,” Jans said. “Then he started the game at Tulane with the three and he was 2-for-2 tonight. That’s got to really make him feel good going forward. It’s nice to have another option that can shoot the basketball from behind the arc.”