Mississippi State, Ole Miss stars win top player awards

Hubbard, McMahon named Howell and Gillom Trophy winners

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:10pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of Mississippi State and Ole Miss, capturing the dynamic action of a basketball game.The Howell and Gillom Trophy winners represent the pinnacle of college basketball talent in Mississippi.Mississippi State Today

Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard and Ole Miss forward Cotie McMahon were named the winners of the Howell and Gillom Trophies, respectively, honoring the top men's and women's college basketball players in the state of Mississippi.

Why it matters

The Howell and Gillom Trophies are prestigious awards that recognize the top talent in Mississippi basketball. Winning these awards can boost a player's profile and help them gain recognition for potential professional opportunities.

The details

Hubbard, a junior at Mississippi State, became the first player to win the Howell Trophy three years in a row. McMahon, a sophomore at Ole Miss, won the Gillom Trophy for the first time in her career.

  • The awards were presented on April 15, 2026.

The players

Josh Hubbard

A junior guard at Mississippi State University who has now won the Howell Trophy, given to the top men's college basketball player in Mississippi, three years in a row.

Cotie McMahon

A sophomore forward at the University of Mississippi who won the Gillom Trophy, awarded to the top women's college basketball player in Mississippi, for the first time in her career.

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What they’re saying

“Winning this award three years in a row is a tremendous honor. I'm grateful to my teammates and coaches who have helped me achieve this level of success.”

— Josh Hubbard

“It's a dream come true to be recognized as the top player in the state. I couldn't have done it without the support of my team and our incredible fans.”

— Cotie McMahon

The takeaway

The Howell and Gillom Trophies showcase the exceptional talent in Mississippi college basketball, with Josh Hubbard and Cotie McMahon cementing their status as two of the top players in the state.