“From Wildcats to Bulldogs: Achor Achor’s Unexpected Leap in College Basketball”
In the ever-whirling carousel of college basketball, the transfer portal has become the new gold rush, with teams scouting for talent to bolster their rosters for the next season. Mississippi State’s head coach, Chris Jans, knows this game all too well, and he’s managed to snag another gem amidst this frenzied market. This time, it’s Achor Achor, a 6-foot-9 wing from Kansas State, who announced his commitment to the Bulldogs, providing a spark of excitement for fans and a boost to the team’s lineup. His decision to join MSU after a brief stint at Kansas State, where personal reasons led to his early departure, speaks volumes about the program’s appeal and Jans’ ability to attract and convince talent of his winning formula. It’s a fresh start for Achor, and his enthusiasm for the future with the Bulldogs is palpable, as he shared with On3 on April 18. Roll through the flurry of news after Jans’ post-March Madness reactions and the evolving roster dynamics with this committed addition LEARN MORE.
Achor transferred to Kansas State last season but left the program after nine games due to personal reasons, according to The Topeka Capital-Journal.Achor appeared in seven of nine games at Kansas State, averaging 7.3 points per game in 13.1 minutes off the bench. He shot 54.1% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range with three makes.Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.Achor Achor, a 6-foot-9 wing from Kansas State, committed to the Bulldogs, he told On3 on April 18. He’s the third transfer to commit to MSU in two days.
“I felt like I needed a fresh start,” Achor told On3. “I really connected well with their coaches. Plus, the fact Coach Jans has won everywhere and has a winning setup. That is a program I want to be part of.”
Achor averaged 1.8 blocks per game in his last season at Samford but didn’t have any in his seven games at Kansas State.
What Achor Achor’s commitment means for Mississippi State basketball
Achor could be a starter for Mississippi State if he can play like he did at Samford.Achor, who is is from Australia, played two seasons at Samford after two seasons at Chipola College. Achor had a breakout season at Samford during the 2023-24 season, averaging 16.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He was a First Team All-Southern Conference.
The Bulldogs’ roster has been turned over heavily because of the transfer portal and graduation. If star guard Josh Hubbard stays in the NBA draft, they will lose eight of their top scorers from last season. Forward KeShawn Murphy transferred to Auburn, which could open the starting spot for Achor.STARKVILLE — Mississippi State basketball and coach Chris Jans have landed another player from the transfer portal.
MSU has four other commitments from the transfer portal: guard Ja’Borri McGhee (UAB), center Quincy Ballard (Wichita State), guard/forward Ameir Ali (Arizona State) and forward Sam Walters (Michigan).
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