Mississippi State’s men’s basketball program announced the addition of three assistant coaches, Corey Barker, Alex Barlow and Shunn Buchanan, as part of head coach Chris Jans’ expanding staff. The moves come ahead of the Bulldogs’ season opener against Tennessee Tech on November 2, a game that will test the new‑look bench.
Barker’s proven track record
Barker, who previously worked alongside Jans at Bowling Green and New Mexico State, helped the latter secure three consecutive Western Athletic Conference regular‑season titles. His tenure at TCU culminated in a 24‑win season and the 2017 NIT championship, underscoring his ability to translate strategy into results.
Barlow arrives after eight seasons within the Boston Celtics organization and a three‑year stint at Butler University, where he contributed to postseason appearances in the 2024 NIT and the 2025 College Basketball Crown. His blend of professional and collegiate experience is expected to bolster the Bulldogs’ player development pipeline.
Buchanan’s developmental focus
Buchanan, recent coach at New Mexico State and Navarro College, has earned a reputation for elevating talent, most notably in the development of Tolu Smith III, now a Detroit Pistons prospect. His hands‑on approach to player growth should complement the Bulldogs’ recruiting initiatives.
Head coach Chris Jans, who has guided Mississippi State to the NCAA Tournament in three of his first four seasons, will integrate the new assistants into a program that opens its campaign on November 2 against Tennessee Tech. The early schedule offers a chance to gauge how the expanded staff influences the team’s depth and in‑game adjustments.