Daeshun Ruffin Returned to Jackson State Basketball
The star guard is set to rejoin the Tigers after a standout season for the program.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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Jackson State has announced that Daeshun Ruffin has returned to the men's basketball team. The program plans to build its roster around the star guard for the upcoming season.
Why it matters
Ruffin provides a major boost to the Tigers as the team looks to improve upon its 12-21 overall record from last year. His proven scoring ability and leadership remain central to the program's competitive strategy.
Ruffin averaged 23.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game while starting all 28 games during the 2025-26 season. He additionally shot 42.6 percent from the field and 84.3 percent from the free-throw line.
The players
Daeshun Ruffin
He is an elite collegiate basketball player who previously earned multiple player of the year honors while playing for Jackson State.
Jackson State
This is a public historically black university located in Jackson, Mississippi, that competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
The details
Jackson State confirmed the return of the standout guard through a social media post featuring a graphic of Ruffin in a team uniform. During the 2025-26 season, Ruffin earned SWAC Player of the Year, First Team All-SWAC, and HBCUGO National Player of the Year honors.
Timeline
Ruffin played the previous basketball season during the 2025-26 period.
Jackson State announced his return on Wednesday.
Season Trajectory
Ruffin’s return significantly alters the competitive outlook for the Tigers within the SWAC by keeping a premier offensive talent in the lineup. This move bolsters the team’s standing as they aim to improve upon their 12-21 finish from the previous campaign.
The return of a player who averaged 23.3 points per game provides Jackson State with a reliable primary scoring option for the upcoming schedule. His high free-throw accuracy of 84.3 percent offers a late-game advantage for the team in close contests.
The takeaway
Retaining a high-volume scorer like Ruffin provides immediate stability for a program looking to transition from a losing record to conference contention. Fans can expect Ruffin to anchor the offensive rotation and serve as the focal point of the team's transition strategy.
Further reading
For more updates on local collegiate teams, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HBCU Gameday.
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