Mississippi State guard Riley Kugel feeling blessed to be a Bulldog
This summer former Florida transfer Riley Kugel found himself in a new environment at Mississippi State. But at the same time, it wasn’t exactly new territory.
Kugel is a former Mississippi State signee who eventually spent his first two college campaigns at Florida where he averaged 9.5 points a game. He opted out of his letter of intent at Mississippi State when former coach Ben Howland and the Bulldogs went separate ways. But in the spring, the 6-foot-5 and 207-pound Kugel entered the transfer portal and landed with head coach Chris Jans and State’s program.
On Thursday afternoon, Kugel met with local media for his first interview as a Mississippi State player:
Q: Since you signed with Mississippi State, how familiar were you with Mississippi State still when you entered the transfer portal?
Kugel: I was close with (former Mississippi State assistant) Coach Korey McCray and I followed him to Florida. But with the guys still hear, I had good connections with (George) Brooks and I knew about Coach Javon Austin. Then Mook (Cameron Matthews) was my host when I came on my visit and me and him connected well from the jump.
Q: How different is Mississippi State’s program today compared to when you initially signed with them in high school?
Kugel: They’ve made major jumps. Everything is getting boosted and they’ve upgraded the facilities, our locker room and our facility is getting worked on. Everything is getting a big boost to it. It’s a blessing to be here and I’m happy.
Q: How much did the familiarity with Mississippi State help with your transfer decision?
Kugel: Honestly, it was perfect timing for everything. It was a process. Growing up Kansas was my dream school but things didn’t go how things were supposed to go. But I’m always grateful and blessed to be where I’m at right now.
Q: What stood out about Mississippi State the past two years when you faced them on the court?
Kugel: They play hard. They run up and down the floor on both ends. So I like their playing style works and it definitely helps my game a lot, just being able to run up and down the floor.
Q: With your versatility, what are the coaches’ plans for you this season?
Kugel: Coach Jans knows I can play offense and I have a good feel for the game. His biggest thing for me is playing defense, playing hard, play hard on the ball, be vocal with my help defense, and play hard and the game will come natural.
Q: In what ways can you help improve your consistency?
Kugel: Just giving it my all outside of practice. Don’t slack off, don’t be lackadaisical, give my all, work hard and come in and compete every day.
Q: With this backcourt, there’s a lot of proven guys and a lot of experience. How important is it for guys to be team-first and selfless at times?
Kugel: I think everyone wants to compete and work hard every day. It gives us a higher level because if you have that many people, that many guards willing to compete for a spot or compete for playing time, things like that come natural in a game. I like to think of it as a blessing.
Q: Who stands out to you in practice?
Kugel: Everybody. Everybody wants to play hard.
