Mississippi's Top College Basketball Players Honored

Josh Hubbard wins third Howell Trophy, Cotie McMahon takes Gillom Trophy

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:10am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows, depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college basketball game or match.The Howell and Gillom Trophies honor Mississippi's top college basketball talents, showcasing the state's rich basketball heritage through a cubist lens.Jackson Today

The annual Howell and Gillom Trophy awards, recognizing the top men's and women's college basketball players in Mississippi, were announced on Wednesday. Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard won the Howell Trophy for the third consecutive year, while former Ole Miss forward Cotie McMahon took home the Gillom Trophy. McMahon was unable to attend the ceremony as she is currently in WNBA training camp after being selected 11th overall in this week's draft by the Washington Mystics.

Why it matters

The Howell and Gillom Trophies are considered the highest individual honors for college basketball players in the state of Mississippi. Winning these awards is a significant achievement that can boost a player's profile and recognition, especially for those looking to pursue professional careers.

The details

On the men's side, the finalists for the Howell Trophy included Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard, former Jackson State guard Daeshun Ruffin, and Southern Miss forward Tylik Weeks. Hubbard, a junior, won the award for the third straight year after averaging 22 points per game this past season. For the women, the Gillom Trophy finalists were Ole Miss' Cotie McMahon, Mississippi State's Madison Francis, and Southern Miss' Jakayla Thompson. McMahon, who was recently drafted 11th overall by the Washington Mystics, edged out the other finalists to claim the Gillom Trophy.

  • The Howell and Gillom Trophy winners were announced on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • Cotie McMahon was selected 11th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Josh Hubbard

A junior guard for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Hubbard won the Howell Trophy for the third consecutive year after averaging 22 points per game this past season.

Cotie McMahon

A former forward for the Ole Miss Rebels, McMahon won the Gillom Trophy and was selected 11th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics.

Daeshun Ruffin

A former guard for the Jackson State Tigers, Ruffin was a finalist for the Howell Trophy.

Tylik Weeks

A forward for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Weeks was a finalist for the Howell Trophy.

Madison Francis

A forward for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Francis was a finalist for the Gillom Trophy.

Jakayla Thompson

A guard for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Thompson was a finalist for the Gillom Trophy.

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What they’re saying

“It's an honor to add another trophy to my collection.”

— Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State Guard

What’s next

The Howell and Gillom Trophy winners will be recognized at a ceremony on the Mississippi State campus on April 25, 2026.

The takeaway

The Howell and Gillom Trophies highlight the exceptional talent in Mississippi's college basketball landscape, with Josh Hubbard and Cotie McMahon cementing their legacies as two of the state's all-time greats. These awards not only recognize individual excellence, but also showcase the depth and competitiveness of basketball in the Magnolia State.