Daeshun Ruffin, who was expected to be Jackson State’s starting point guard this year, will be out for the entire 2023-24 season.
Ruffin posted the news to his social media accounts Wednesday morning, telling Tiger fans that the latest injury is just a hiccup along the way.
“Due to injury, I will miss the upcoming 2023-2024 college basketball season. Although I am disappointed, I am not defeated,” Ruffin wrote. “I promise you this is not the end of my story. I hate that I will miss an opportunity to compete with my brothers, but I will be there with my guys each step of the way to this year’s SWAC championship. Thank you to my family, the city of Jackson, and all of my supporters throughout the years! I truly appreciate you all!”
— #24SoShifty (@DaeshunRuffin) September 28, 2023
After an injury-plagued career at Ole Miss that included a torn ACL in 2022, Ruffin announced over the offseason that he would be returning to his hometown to suit up for Jackson State and head coach Mo Williams. When healthy, the junior averaged 11.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in 25 outings for the Rebels.
Ruffin was also one of the best high school players Mississippi has ever seen. While at Callaway High School, the McDonald’s All-American scored 2,337 points in four years as a starter. As a senior, the 5’9” point guard averaged 33.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.8 steals per game on his way to being named the state’s top player.
Previously tabbed as the No. 40 recruit in the country and No. 1 recruit in Mississippi, Ruffin became the highest-ranked player to ever commit to the Tigers when he did so in April.
