Early Life And Background
Cameron Matthews was born December 23, 2001, and grew up in Olive Branch, Mississippi. He was a multi-sport, high-energy athlete in high school who developed into a physically mature, versatile wing/forward — the kind of player scouts later described as having NBA-level strength and length for his size.

College Career (Mississippi State)
Matthews enrolled at Mississippi State and became one of the program’s ironmen — setting a school record for games played and becoming a regular starter over multiple seasons. Across five seasons with the Bulldogs he built a reputation as a high-motor, glue-type player: strong rebounder, willing passer, and a lockdown perimeter and team defender who earned SEC all-defensive recognition in his later seasons. He posted steady all-around numbers while starting the majority of Mississippi State’s games during his tenure and helped the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

Playing Profile And Strengths
At roughly 6’7″ and about 235 lb with excellent wingspan and physicality, Matthews projects as a modern defensive wing who can guard multiple positions, rebound, and finish around the rim. Scouting writeups emphasized his on-ball intensity, defensive instincts, and physical tools; offensively he offers efficient two-man game finishes, putbacks, and the potential to expand his shooting. Those traits made him attractive to NBA teams despite not being an early draft name.

Path To The NBA And Houston Rockets
After completing his college eligibility Matthews went undrafted, but he drew interest in the pro ranks and earned an NBA opportunity. In mid-2025 the Houston Rockets signed Cameron Matthews to a rookie deal (reported as a two-way/rookie signing in news coverage), bringing him into their development pipeline where his defensive skill set and physical profile fit the organization’s emphasis on athletic, switchable wings. His NBA roster profile lists him as a Rockets rookie forward and notes his Mississippi State background.

Character And Off-Court Notes
Reports from Mississippi State and local coverage describe Matthews as a hard worker and team-first leader — the kind of teammate who earned coaches’ trust by doing the little things (defense, rebounding, communication) that don’t always show up in highlight reels. That reputation helped him convert college reliability into a pro opportunity.

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Houston is expected to develop Matthews gradually: minutes in Summer League/G-League and spot NBA opportunities while he sharpens perimeter shooting and continues to lean on his defensive strengths. If he can add more consistent spacing and ball-screen offense, his profile projects as a multi-positional role player who can carve out a steady NBA role.