Guard Kugel commits to MSU

Multiple Mississippi State programs benefited from the Bulldogs’ hosting a big Southeastern Conference football game last weekend with recruiting visits and Ben Howland has already seen results in the form of a new commitment.

Orlando, Florida, 2022 combo guard Riley Kugel came into town on an official visit and he left Starkville committed to the Bulldogs. Kugel is the second player committed in the class after the Bulldogs landed Shelton State Community College guard and former Georgia player Jaykwon Walton two weeks ago.

Kugel told Paul Jones of 247Sports that Ben Howland’s

track record of developing players was the difference. With his success in college football at producing NBA talent, Howland was able to seal the deal on the weekend.

“I feel like Coach Howland can develop me into the NBA player I want to be. He can help develop my body and develop my basketball IQ and my skills set. He can help me with the things I can’t see on the court right now,” Kugel told 247Sports. “They also feel like I can help right away and I feel like I will only get better at a big program like Mississippi State.”

The athletic 6’4, 175-pounder has 12 offers including from Miami, Houston, Auburn, Florida Gulf Coast and Coastal

Carolina. Last year at Dr. Phillips High School, Kugel was a big part in helping his team to a Class 7A state title in Florida. He averaged 14.5 points, five rebounds and three assists a game along the way.

According to Kugel, he’ll be playing the two spot in Starkville and will have plenty of competition when he arrives as MSU has accumulated some strong talent in the back court.

Competition doesn’t appear to be something that scares him away and the vibe he got in Starkville made him feel right at home.

“Everything just felt right this weekend,” Kugel said. “I feel like I didn’t see any flaws or negatives with Mississippi State and everything is good about them.”