STARKVILLE — Mississippi State basketball forward Cameron Matthews will be returning next season, he announced via social media Friday. Matthews will be using the extra COVID-19 year of eligibility granted to athletes by the NCAA.

Matthews has appeared in 132 games during his four seasons with the Bulldogs, and he has started 67 of 68 games across the last two campaigns. He's coming off a senior season in which he averaged 9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 28.5 minutes per game.

Playing under coach Chris Jans, whose teams are known for their success on the defensive end, Matthews was an anchor who earned All-SEC defensive team honors. He ranked second in the conference with 2.1 steals per game.

"We've got more memories to make and more goals to achieve," Matthews wrote. "I'm excited to announce that I'll be wearing the maroon and white one more time in 2024-2025. I'm appreciative to coach Jans and our staff for the lessons they've taught me and for trusting me to be a leader. I work hard every day to be the best player I can be and can't wait for what's in store next season."

Matthews' announcement came shortly after former Penn State guard Kanye Clary committed to Mississippi State.

The return of Matthews is critical for an MSU team losing veteran leadership. Forwards Tolu Smith, D.J. Jeffries and Jimmy Bell Jr. exhausted their eligibility along with guard Dashawn Davis.

However, MSU is expected to have All-SEC guard Josh Hubbard back. Guard Shakeel Moore is in the same situation as Matthews but has yet to announce his intent to return next season.

Matthews is a product of Olive Branch, Mississippi.

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Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Cameron Matthews: Mississippi State basketball starter returning