State’s Josh Hubbard Named 2026 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Winner
February 19, 2026 | Men's Basketball
by Matt Dunaway, Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Fresh off a record-setting 46 points against Auburn, Mississippi State's josh Hubbard has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, character and commitment to community service as the 2026 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup announced Thursday.
The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Award honors student-athletes who embody the values of legendary coach John Wooden, emphasizing integrity, teamwork, academic excellence, and servant leadership both on and off the court.
Hubbard's impact extends well beyond his athletic performance. Known for his humility, work ethic, and dedication to serving others, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mentoring youth, engaging in community outreach initiatives, and representing Mississippi State with distinction.
"We are thrilled to congratulate Josh on being named the 2026 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Award winner," State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. "This recognition reflects the impact he has made through his leadership, academic dedication, and engagement beyond the court. To be honored in the name of Coach John Wooden speaks to Josh's character and the way he represents Mississippi State every day. We are proud of all he accomplishes and grateful for the example he sets for our student-athletes and community."
"This award means a lot to our program because it recognizes who Josh is at his core," State Head Coach Chris Jans said. "He cares about people, he works at his academics, and he leads with humility. Being honored in Coach John Wooden's name is special, and it couldn't happen to a more deserving young man. We're proud of him, and we're thankful for the way he represents Mississippi State on and off the court."
The award will be formally presented on State's campus prior to the team's next home game against Missouri on Saturday, February 28th at Humphrey Coliseum which allows the campus community to celebrate Hubbard's achievement and the culture of character and excellence that the program continues to build.
Hubbard has used his platform and his resources through Name Image Likeness in numerous community efforts. He founded The Josh Hubbard Showcase, a basketball camp which has hosted around 200 aspiring athletes in his hometown of Madison, Mississippi and awarded approximately $40,000 in scholarship money over the last two April's.
Hubbard has partnered with Make A Wish Mississippi in 2025-26 where he has launched the "Buckets for Wishes" campaign where every three-point shot he makes results in donations from sponsors and donors, directly funding wishes for children in Mississippi. He has made multiple appearances with the organization and invited multiple children to games during the season.
Hubbard spent an afternoon in December 2025 handing out close to 100 gifts he purchased at Children's of Mississippi Hospital in Jackson, the same hospital where he was a patient for 19 days at 9 years old in September 2014. As a child, he was diagnosed and treated for Kawasaki disease which is a condition causing inflammation in the walls of some blood vessels in the body.
Hubbard teamed with his showcase, Aerus, and US Foods for helping provide food and donations to Ballas Family Community Kitchen, which serves 200 meals a day to the Greenwood, Mississippi, community in November 2025.
Hubbard worked closely with Delbert Hosemann, the Lieutenant Governor in the State of Mississippi, on a public awareness effort and campaign to reduce rates of chronic absenteeism among school children last spring.
Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its official social media accounts by searching 'HailStateMBK' on Facebook, X and Instagram.
STARKVILLE – Fresh off a record-setting 46 points against Auburn, Mississippi State's josh Hubbard has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, character and commitment to community service as the 2026 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup announced Thursday.
The Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Award honors student-athletes who embody the values of legendary coach John Wooden, emphasizing integrity, teamwork, academic excellence, and servant leadership both on and off the court.
Hubbard's impact extends well beyond his athletic performance. Known for his humility, work ethic, and dedication to serving others, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mentoring youth, engaging in community outreach initiatives, and representing Mississippi State with distinction.
"We are thrilled to congratulate Josh on being named the 2026 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Award winner," State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. "This recognition reflects the impact he has made through his leadership, academic dedication, and engagement beyond the court. To be honored in the name of Coach John Wooden speaks to Josh's character and the way he represents Mississippi State every day. We are proud of all he accomplishes and grateful for the example he sets for our student-athletes and community."
"This award means a lot to our program because it recognizes who Josh is at his core," State Head Coach Chris Jans said. "He cares about people, he works at his academics, and he leads with humility. Being honored in Coach John Wooden's name is special, and it couldn't happen to a more deserving young man. We're proud of him, and we're thankful for the way he represents Mississippi State on and off the court."
The award will be formally presented on State's campus prior to the team's next home game against Missouri on Saturday, February 28th at Humphrey Coliseum which allows the campus community to celebrate Hubbard's achievement and the culture of character and excellence that the program continues to build.
Hubbard has used his platform and his resources through Name Image Likeness in numerous community efforts. He founded The Josh Hubbard Showcase, a basketball camp which has hosted around 200 aspiring athletes in his hometown of Madison, Mississippi and awarded approximately $40,000 in scholarship money over the last two April's.
Hubbard has partnered with Make A Wish Mississippi in 2025-26 where he has launched the "Buckets for Wishes" campaign where every three-point shot he makes results in donations from sponsors and donors, directly funding wishes for children in Mississippi. He has made multiple appearances with the organization and invited multiple children to games during the season.
Hubbard spent an afternoon in December 2025 handing out close to 100 gifts he purchased at Children's of Mississippi Hospital in Jackson, the same hospital where he was a patient for 19 days at 9 years old in September 2014. As a child, he was diagnosed and treated for Kawasaki disease which is a condition causing inflammation in the walls of some blood vessels in the body.
Hubbard teamed with his showcase, Aerus, and US Foods for helping provide food and donations to Ballas Family Community Kitchen, which serves 200 meals a day to the Greenwood, Mississippi, community in November 2025.
Hubbard worked closely with Delbert Hosemann, the Lieutenant Governor in the State of Mississippi, on a public awareness effort and campaign to reduce rates of chronic absenteeism among school children last spring.
Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its official social media accounts by searching 'HailStateMBK' on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's BasketballMEN'S BASKETBALL | Highlights vs. Auburn - 2/18/26
Thursday, February 19
MEN'S BASKETBALL | Josh Hubbard & Shawn Jones Jr. Postgame Press Conference vs. Auburn - 2/18/26
Thursday, February 19
MEN'S BASKETBALL | Chris Jans Postgame Press Conference vs. Auburn - 2/18/26
Wednesday, February 18
MEN'S BASKETBALL | Chris Jans Media Session - 2/16/26
Monday, February 16