NBA Draft Scouting Report: Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard

Scouting Report: Josh Hubbard

March 21, 2024, Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (13) shoots against Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

1. Player Info
2. Prospect Profile
3. Highlights
4. Draft Projection
5. 2025 Big Board

Player Info

Josh Hubbard

Guard | Mississippi State

Height: 5'11” | Weight: 190 lbs 

2025 Draft Age: 20.49

Mar 20, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (13) during player interviews at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Prospect Profile

Although he’s an undersized guard, Hubbard has the skills to make an impact at the next level. He’s projected to be a sophomore breakout candidate at Mississippi State and could really start to make a name for himself in draft circles early in the upcoming season. 

Hubbard played in every game last season, earning the starting spot roughly halfway through the season, and never looked back. He’s only 5-foot-10, but has a good frame and is very strong. He’s an impressive scorer, averaging 17 points per game as a freshman in the talented SEC. Based on what he’s best at today, Hubbard likely will be more of an off-ball guy at the next level unless he’s able to showcase more passing upside. It will be hard for him to stick as an off-ball guard in the NBA, so showing he has the ability to run some at point guard will be key. 

While he’s a very good free throw shooter and an adequate 3-point shooter, increasing his perimeter efficiency will be another way he can improve his draft stock this season. If he can do that, we’re looking at a valuable floor spacer at the next level, combined with his ability to be a tough driver who uses his strength well. Hubbards shot diet as a freshman was interesting, as nearly 65% of his attempts from the floor were from beyond the 3-point line. Again, maintaining that volume but converting at a higher clip would be huge. But overall he needs to round out his game and show he can do more than score. His rebounding production lacks and assist numbers need to increase among other things. 

Hubbard isn’t the most productive defensively and is obviously undersized. He’ll have to show he can be a reliable team defender to get draft consideration, along with the offensive improvements he needs to make. 

A former top-100 recruit, Hubbard made the All-SEC Second Team as a freshman, which is incredibly impressive. If he can take another leap as a sophomore, there’s no question he could emerge as a sleeper prospect on draft boards. 

Highlights

Draft Projection

Potential Second-Round Pick in 2025 NBA Draft.

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2025 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2025 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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