Jackson State basketball players at practice
SheLovesThee · Jackson State Men’s Basketball · Updated October 1, 2026

The SWAC Thought He Was Done? Ruffin Returns.

Jackson State reloads for 2026–27: a reigning Player of the Year, Trey Johnson’s new chapter, Kendrick Perkins’ presence—and a demanding road schedule.

Photos and graphics courtesy of Jackson State Men's Basketball and Jackson State Athletics. Story by Timona Stapleton | SheLovesThee.
Jackson State’s official Daeshun Ruffin I’m Back announcement
One more chapter

Daeshun Ruffin changes the conversation.

Jackson State’s basketball offseason just got a lot louder. Daeshun Ruffin has been granted eligibility for the 2026–27 season, giving the Tigers another year with the guard who earned the SWAC’s 2026 Player of the Year award.

For anyone who hoped Jackson State would have to replace that kind of firepower, the “I’m Back” announcement delivers an uncomfortable answer. The player who could create his own offense and set up everyone else gets another chapter in Jackson.

Return announcement: supplied Jackson State graphic and Ruffin’s eligibility announcement.

The numbers explain the noise

In its March 6 awards release, SWAC reported regular-season averages of 23.3 points and 5.3 assists, placing Ruffin among just three players nationally above both the 20-point and five-assist thresholds. That release had him tied for third nationally in scoring.

23.3Points per game
5.3Assists per game
25Double-figure games
8Games with 30+ points
Open Ruffin’s consistency breakdown

He reached double figures in 19 of his final 20 games. Four of his eight 30-point performances came in conference play. These are the regular-season figures cited in SWAC’s awards announcement, rather than a new 2026–27 projection.

Double figures in closing stretch: 19 of 20 games (95%)
Conference share of 30-point games: 4 of 8 (50%)

Source: SWAC postseason awards, March 6, 2026.

Scoring grabs attention, but the assists matter just as much. Defenses have to account for Ruffin as a finisher and a creator. His return gives Jackson State an established starting point while Trey Johnson’s team works out how the rest of its pieces fit around him.

THEE question: If Ruffin produces at that level again, who in the SWAC has the answer—and what will Jackson State need around him to turn individual excellence into a championship run?
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