STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s men’s basketball program announced Sunday evening that forwards Xavian Stapleton and Eli Wright will transfer away from the program.
Stapleton, a junior from Flora who transferred to the program from Louisiana Tech, averaged 6.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He was productive in MSU’s National Invitation Tournament (NIT), giving MSU 39 points and 13 rebounds.
“We are very appreciative of Xay’s contributions to the program and team the past three years,” Howland said in a statement. “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 said in the statement, “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’s sophomore season saw him average 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
“”I want to thank everyone at Mississippi State for two special years. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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