Chris Jans breaks down impact Shakeel Moore has for Mississippi State

The Mississippi State basketball program is rolling toward conference play with an 8-2 record, playing some pretty quality basketball at the moment. Guard Shakeel Moore is a big reason why.

He has emerged as a guy coach 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.”

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 won’t necessarily stuff the stat sheet every night, but Shakeel Moore is usually good for a couple of assists and rebounds, too.

The offensive improvement that Jans has seen this fall has been the biggest difference, with the senior guard learning how to get to his spots on the floor better. Once he’s there, he’s been finishing.

“What he’s done better this year than last year is he’s 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, and he’s a great athlete and he’s really, really got a craft around the goal to put it in. “

Shakeel Moore is also shooting a very respectable clip from beyond the arc, hitting at 38.5% so far this season. That’s the kind of shooting that can stretch a defense.

Combine it with his ability to make plays driving to the basket and the Bulldogs have something they can work with.

“He’s been doing that the last couple games,” Jans said. “And then he started the game at Tulane with the three and he was 2-for-2 tonight, and 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.”

Mississippi State’s next game will come against North Texas on Sunday, with the game tipping off at 4 p.m. ET.