Former Quistor Matthews on Naismith Defensive Player watch list

Photo: Former Olive Branch Conquistador star Cameron Matthews (4) defends for Mississippi State against South Carolina. (Credit MSU Athletics)

Credit MSU Athletics

Feb. 6, 2025-Mississippi State’s Cameron Matthews has been chosen to the 2024-25 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List announced Wednesday by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

State has had a player on the 15-player watch list during two of the last three seasons under Chris Jans. Matthews is one of six SEC players among the 15 standout players from across the country.

Over the last three seasons, Matthews has started 88 of 91 outings where he has compiled a cumulative +648 plus/minus ratio under Coach Jans. He has dialed up at least a +10 mark on 35 occasions and amassed a +20 mark 13 times.

Matthews is the SEC leader in steals per game (2.59) this season where he’s also ranked among the nation’s top 10. His 249 career steals are a State program record, and he checks in tied for 5th among NCAA active players.