Stapleton, Wright Transferring From MSU
April 08, 2018 | Men's Basketball
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State's roster is down two players following the decision by both Xavian Stapleton and Eli Wright to transfer.
MSU coach Ben Howland, whose team is coming off a 25-12 campaign after advancing to the NIT semifinals, made the announcement Sunday afternoon.
Stapleton, a junior from Flora, Miss., will graduate in May and will then take advantage of the fifth-year graduate transfer rule.
"We are very appreciative of Xay's contributions to the program and team the past three years," Howland said. "He's going to graduate with a degree from MSU. He will move forward, and I wish him all the best with his future endeavors and life."
Stapleton appeared in 32 games and drew seven starts for the Bulldogs this year. He averaged 6.4 points and 2.6 rebounds, while blocking 12 shots and collecting 21 steals. His career high of 18 points came at Vanderbilt, while in the NIT he totaled 39 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in four games.
"I would just like to thank Coach Howland, the staff and the university for the opportunity to attend this school and play basketball here," he said. "I'm proud to be able to graduate from Mississippi State.
"These last three years have a be a great experience for me, and I have learned a lot. I also wish my former teammates and coaches the best of luck next year."
Wright, a junior-to-be from Owensboro, Ky., saw action in 34 games and averaged 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds.
"I really appreciate Eli and all his hard work and efforts," Howland said. "He's a great kid, and I'm sure he will have a lot of success as a player at his new institution. I appreciate all his efforts in helping our program get to where it is today."
Wright's career-high 12 points came in the season opener against Alabama State this season. In his two years wearing the Maroon & White, he scored in double-digits three times.
"I want to thank everyone at Mississippi State for two special years. Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way," he said. "Everything I've learned throughout has changed me to be a better person. The support system was tremendous, and the relationships built will go a life time. But in life, everything is about decisions, and I feel as if this is the best one for me moving forward.
"My teammates are brothers, and I am humbled that I could be a part of helping to get this program back in the right direction."
MSU coach Ben Howland, whose team is coming off a 25-12 campaign after advancing to the NIT semifinals, made the announcement Sunday afternoon.
Stapleton, a junior from Flora, Miss., will graduate in May and will then take advantage of the fifth-year graduate transfer rule.
"We are very appreciative of Xay's contributions to the program and team the past three years," Howland said. "He's going to graduate with a degree from MSU. He will move forward, and I wish him all the best with his future endeavors and life."
Stapleton appeared in 32 games and drew seven starts for the Bulldogs this year. He averaged 6.4 points and 2.6 rebounds, while blocking 12 shots and collecting 21 steals. His career high of 18 points came at Vanderbilt, while in the NIT he totaled 39 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in four games.
"I would just like to thank Coach Howland, the staff and the university for the opportunity to attend this school and play basketball here," he said. "I'm proud to be able to graduate from Mississippi State.
"These last three years have a be a great experience for me, and I have learned a lot. I also wish my former teammates and coaches the best of luck next year."
Wright, a junior-to-be from Owensboro, Ky., saw action in 34 games and averaged 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds.
"I really appreciate Eli and all his hard work and efforts," Howland said. "He's a great kid, and I'm sure he will have a lot of success as a player at his new institution. I appreciate all his efforts in helping our program get to where it is today."
Wright's career-high 12 points came in the season opener against Alabama State this season. In his two years wearing the Maroon & White, he scored in double-digits three times.
"I want to thank everyone at Mississippi State for two special years. Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way," he said. "Everything I've learned throughout has changed me to be a better person. The support system was tremendous, and the relationships built will go a life time. But in life, everything is about decisions, and I feel as if this is the best one for me moving forward.
"My teammates are brothers, and I am humbled that I could be a part of helping to get this program back in the right direction."
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