On June 24th, 2022, anticipation buzzed through the basement of a Little Apple home, where friends and family gathered. Some sank into couches, others stood, but every eye was locked on the TV airing the NBA Draft broadcast.
The basement was decked out with memorabilia from the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State, but this celebration wasn’t for a Wildcat - it was for a Bearcat: Trevor Hudgins of Northwest Missouri State University.
Trevor Lamont Hudgins was born on March 23, 1999, in Manhattan. The son of Sterling and Pat Hudgins, he’s the younger brother of Chris and Sharnée. Trevor’s basketball journey began humbly, with his passion for the game ignited early on. Though he was active in many sports, he honed his basketball skills through countless junior teams and neighborhood pick-up games, often on the court next door.
He rose to prominence at Manhattan High, where his leadership, passing skills, and pinpoint shooting set him apart. The 5’11” left-hander displayed early flashes of the talent and relentless work ethic that would carry him far beyond the Little Apple.
Despite his impressive high school performance, Trevor flew under the radar of major Division I programs, not receiving a single offer. Undeterred, he chose to join Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, a Division II school with a proud basketball tradition. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
At NWMSU, Trevor blossomed into a true star. He became both a prolific scorer and a commanding floor general. Over four seasons, Hudgins led the Bearcats on an extraordinary journey, capturing three consecutive NCAA Division II national championships. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Division II history.
His college career overflowed with accolades: multiple NABC and MIAA Player of the Year awards, multiple Elite Eight Most Outstanding Player honors, and a school-record 2,829 points - the highest total in MIAA history. His performances drew national attention, and opened the door to the NBA.
Which brings us back to that basement in June 2022. Although his name wasn’t called on tv, just moments after the broadcast ended, his phone rang. His agent, George Landberg, had prepared him for this moment. On the other end was Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, delivering the life-changing news: Trevor Hudgins was officially in the NBA.
Trevor signed a two-way contract with the Rockets, which allowed him to split time between Houston, and their NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Under this arrangement, he could play a limited number of NBA games, while spending most of the season developing in the G League.
He made his NBA debut for the Rockets on October 22, 2022, against the Milwaukee Bucks, and he appeared in a handful of games that season. Despite fierce competition and limited minutes, his relentless drive remained unwavering, signaling just the beginning of his professional journey.
Trevor soon took his talents overseas, signing with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (Le Mans MSB) in the fiercely competitive LBN Élite, France’s top professional league. The organization boasts a rich history, and a culture closely aligned with what Trevor has grown accustomed to: family-oriented, well-organized, and deeply supportive.
In France, Hudgins has been able to blend his American skill set with the distinctive European style of play, a combination that suits his game perfectly. This was evident in 2024, when he earned a spot on the All-LNB Élite Second Team, and a new contract for a third season.
“God willing, I just keep playing,” he says. “I want to keep playing the sport I grew up playing, and grew to love. Hopefully I have a long career.”
For a kid from the Little Apple, chasing a basketball dream, Trevor Hudgins has proven that greatness can come from anywhere, and the entire world is the next step. Now, it’s just a matter of learning French!
Sincerest gratitude to Borck Brothers for the distinguished suit, and Briggs Auto Group for the exquisite vehicle.