AWARD LATER ON THIS WEEK. ALL RIGHT. WELL, BASKETBALL SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. WE HAVE THE SWAG WRAPPING UP THEIR 2025 MEDIA DAYS TODAY. NOW THE JACKSON STATE TIGERS READY TO HIT THE COURT. THE MEN’S TEAM IS ENTERING YEAR FOUR UNDER HEAD COACH MO WILLIAMS. THE TIGERS ARE PREDICTED TO FINISH THIRD IN THE SWAC THIS YEAR, AND SENIOR GUARD DESHAUN RUFFIN WAS NAMED THE PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR AS HE SCORED IN DOUBLE FIGURES 20 TIMES THIS PAST SEASON. AS FOR THE WOMEN’S, THEY ARE EXPECTED TO FINISH THIRD AS WELL ENTERING YEAR TWO UNDER HEAD COACH MARGARET RICHARDS. THE TIGERS FINISHED 16 AND 15 LAST SEASON AND MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE SWAC SEMIFINALS. WITH THE SEASON JUST WEEKS AWAY, BOTH COACHES READY TO CHASE SUCCESS AGAIN. IT’S BEEN GREAT. >> I MEAN, IT’S A TRUE BLESSING FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO GET GRANTED ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD A PRESTIGIOUS PROGRAM. I’M EXCITED. >> I FEEL GREAT, YOU KNOW, WE GOT A GREAT NUCLEUS OF GUYS COMING BACK, MIXING IN WITH SOME GUYS, SOME FRESHMEN, SOME TRANSFERS. WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THE GROUP. >> WE’LL HAVE TEN HOME REGULAR SEASON GAMES THIS SEASON, AND THEY OFFICIALLY BEGIN THE SEASON ON NOVEMBER 3RD ON THE ROAD AGAINST ILLINOIS. THE LADY TIGERS WILL OPEN THE SEASON AT HOM
Jackson State Tigers focused and ready as basketball season nears
Both teams are predicted to finish third in the SWAC.
Updated: 10:19 PM CDT Oct 8, 2025
The Jackson State Tigers are gearing up to hit the court as basketball season approaches — and both programs are entering the year with high expectations.For the men’s team, this marks year four under head coach Mo Williams, who continues to build momentum within the SWAC. The Tigers are predicted to finish third in the conference this season, led by senior guard Daeshun Ruffin, who was named the Preseason Player of the Year. Ruffin proved to be a consistent threat last season, scoring in double figures 20 times.On the women’s side, head coach Margaret Richards enters her second season at the helm after guiding the Tigers to a 16-15 overall record and a trip to the SWAC semifinals last year. Like the men, the women’s team is also projected to finish third in the conference, returning a solid core that’s ready to compete for a title run.With the season just weeks away, both Williams and Richards are focused on continuing to raise the standard at Jackson State. The Tigers are ready to chase success once again.
JACKSON, Miss. —
The Jackson State Tigers are gearing up to hit the court as basketball season approaches — and both programs are entering the year with high expectations.
For the men’s team, this marks year four under head coach Mo Williams, who continues to build momentum within the SWAC. The Tigers are predicted to finish third in the conference this season, led by senior guard Daeshun Ruffin, who was named the Preseason Player of the Year. Ruffin proved to be a consistent threat last season, scoring in double figures 20 times.
On the women’s side, head coach Margaret Richards enters her second season at the helm after guiding the Tigers to a 16-15 overall record and a trip to the SWAC semifinals last year. Like the men, the women’s team is also projected to finish third in the conference, returning a solid core that’s ready to compete for a title run.
With the season just weeks away, both Williams and Richards are focused on continuing to raise the standard at Jackson State. The Tigers are ready to chase success once again.