The 2025 NBA Draft combine has come and gone, and many notable college basketball stars are deciding whether to return to their respective programs.
With the NCAA’s early entry withdrawal deadline approaching on May 28, the final list of NBA Draft prospects is beginning to take shape. However, one major SEC star has decided to return to school.
After falling in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Mississippi State Bulldogs point guard Josh Hubbard declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.
However, despite making the second-team All-SEC in his sophomore season (2024-25), Hubbard wasn't invited to either the NBA draft combine or the NBA G League Elite Camp.
Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears and Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard
Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears and Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard
Will McLelland-Imagn Images
During the draft process, Hubbard made it clear that he was eyeing feedback from NBA teams, hoping for some constructive criticism.
“We just wanted to take advantage of that rule and see what was out there,” Hubbard said. “Just hearing feedback from the NBA teams, and seeing what I need to improve on for as far as the league and in college. Just to know what I can do better.”
With that being said, it appears Hubbard has found what he needs to improve on. On Wednesday, On3's Joe Tipton reported that the sophomore will be withdrawing from the draft, returning to Mississippi State for his junior season.
"NEWS: Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and will return to Starkville next season, he told @On3sports," Tipton wrote on X. "Expected, but exciting news for Chris Jans."
Hubbard has been one of the best players for the Bulldogs since joining in 2023. In his freshman season, he came off the bench in 19-of-35 games, averaging 17.1 points on 38.5% shooting and 1.7 assists.
He improved his numbers this past season as a full-time starter, tallying 18.9 points on 40.2% shooting and 3.1 assists per game.