STARKVILLE — Quinndary Weatherspoon might have been in Malik Newman’s shadow during the college basketball recruiting process, but the standout from Velma Jackson High School is making a name for himself at Mississippi State.
On Monday, Weatherspoon was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for his career-high 16-point performance in a 76-51 victory against Tennessee Martin on Saturday.
“I’m honored to get this award, but all credit goes to my teammates and to my coaches,” Weatherspoon said in a statement released by MSU. “I just do what coach tells me to do, and I play within my offense. My shot was falling on Saturday, and I was happy with that it helped out the team.”
Weatherspoon was 6 of 6 from the field, 2 of 2 from 3-point range, and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line. The 6-foot-4 guard also had two steals and three rebounds. He is averaging 8.7 points per game and nearly three rebounds a game.
Weatherspoon was the No. 2 player in the state last season behind Newman, who also was a McDonald’s All-American.
Weatherspoon is the second Bulldog to be honored this season. Senior center Gavin Ware was named SEC Player of the Week after the first week.
n In other MSU basketball news, Elijah Staley was added to the team’s roster. The redshirt freshman also is a quarterback on the school’s football team.
Staley signed with MSU and expected to play both sports. While being redshirted with the football team last year, Staley participated in a few basketball practices with coach Rick Ray, but he didn’t see any action.
The 6-foot-7 Staley, averaged 18 points, 9.5 rebounds, and seven assists as a junior at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia. He will wear No. 33.
The MSU football team finished the regular season Saturday, but it will participate in a bowl. Bowl preparation likely will begin next week after MSU learns its bowl destination Sunday.
The MSU men’s basketball team (3-3) will play host to Texas Southern (1-5) at 7 p.m. Wednesday (SEC Network) at Humphrey Coliseum.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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