During his previous seasons at Mississippi State, senior forward Cameron Matthews was often labeled as one of those ‘glue guys’ that every successful team needs. But over the course of the past season, the Olive Branch native has become more than just a glue guy for head coach Chris Jans and the Bulldogs’ program.
Earlier this week Matthews was rewarded for his efforts by being tabbed to the SEC’s all-defensive team. Also this year, Matthews is averaging a career-best 9.6 points and 7.1 rebounds a game. Also of note, Matthews leads the team in assists (89), steals (64) and blocked shots (23). MS Polymer
Recently, Maroon and White Daily caught up with Matthews to collect his thoughts on the current season and his future in Starkville:
Q: This season you have improved your game in several areas. Going into the offseason, what was your main focus? Matthews: Just worked on my outside shot, ball-handling and things like that. Also, just get closer with my teammates and being the best teammate that I can be.
Q: I’ve had several players tell me you are the funniest guy on the team. Does that come natural for you? Matthews: I think that is just my natural personality. I am always trying to bring smiles to the room and be the best teammate I can be, especially for everybody in the program.
Q: You play an aggressive style on both ends of the court. How tough is it to walk a thin line of being aggressive and trying to stay out of foul trouble? Matthews: It’s tough just knowing that I need to be the aggressor and setting the tone for our team. But it’s also about being available for my teammates.
Q: How much can last year’s experience of playing in crucial games down the stretch and postseason benefit this year’s team? Matthews: I think it can pay off a lot. We have a good core group of guys that have done it before. We know how to handle certain situations.
Q: It is a rare situation with you and DJ Jeffries where you guys were high school teammates and have now been college teammates the past three years. How good is that chemistry on the floor? Matthews: It’s just about having a lot of time together on the court playing with him and building a bond on and off the court. We instinctively know what the other is going to do on the court.
Q: How would you define your role on this team since you contribute in different ways? Matthews: I like to just be a good leader and doing whatever we need for that specific night for that specific game. It can be different things on different nights.
Q: Toughest defensive player you faced in SEC? Matthews: That’s a tough one and I can’t really think of just one right now. There’s so many teams in the SEC that have good players. So each night it is going to be a different guy and somebody that is good.
Q: Toughest offensive player faced in SEC? Matthews: Skills set-wise, probably Jahvon Quinerly. He’s got a pretty big bag and it is probably him.
Q: I know that you and KeShawn Murphy are close. When he stepped away from the team, how much did you help him through that process and what kind of boost has Murphy given the team lately? Matthews: That’s my little brother. Just making sure he is getting back right and just being there for him.
Q: You still have one more college season of eligibility left. Your thoughts on returning next year? Matthews: I am just trying to finish out this year. Then whatever opportunities present themselves, we will take care of it then.
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