Eli Wright to transfer from Mississippi State

Just a day after learning Mario Kegler’s intentions to transfer from Mississippi State, Eli Wright has decided to follow suit.

Sheesh.

Mario Kegler last night and Eli Wright this morning.

For whatever the reason is, two members of Mississippi State’s 2016 top-ten recruiting class have announced their intentions to leave the basketball program.

Per Will Sammon of the Clarion-Ledger, Wright is looking for more playing time.

"Wright made only one start and played in 30 games last season while averaging 13.1 minutes per game. The former four-star shooting guard prospect out of Kentucky will likely see more playing time elsewhere.The backcourt is expected to be a strength for Mississippi State but it won’t be as deep without Wright. After graduating I.J. Ready, the Bulldogs return Lamar Peters, who started at point guard when Ready missed time with injuries, and Tyson Carter, a sharp-shooter who can provide scoring off the bench."

Eli Wright, a former 4-star prospect, was behind many guards on the roster last season. Playing 13 minutes per game, Wright often found himself coming off the bench and not being a key contributor during his first season in Starkville. Quinndary Weatherspoon, Lamar Peters, Xavian Stapleton, and Tyson Carter all played a role in limiting the minutes Wright played.

The Ownesboro, Kentucky, native averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 rebounds on 52.9% shooting in his limited action last season. There was a lot of hope for Wright, but he had trouble finding his niche in Ben Howland’s system.

Wright’s decision comes on the heels of Mario Kegler — another 4-star prospect in that 2016 class — announcing his intentions to transfer.

Kegler seemed to be hesistant to embrace a stretch-four role in Howland’s offense, something that may have been a factor in his decision to leave the program. Sammon reports Kegler will meet with Howland next week.

"Ben Howland has not returned a request for comment and MSU has not provided a statement. MSU did add, however, that Howland is out of town.Howland is expected to meet with Kegler on Wednesday, a source said."

The worst part of this whole situation? Timing.

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Given that it is late May, it will be tough for the Bulldogs to find a reliable grad-transfer or a 2017 recruit that is still on the market. Transfers are common in college basketball, but it hurts to not have enough time to find a suitable replacement.

Mississippi State will bring back All-SEC performer Quinndary Weatherspoon, All-SEC Freshman Lamar Peters, sharpshooting guard Tyson Carter, athletic wing Xavian Stapleton, and big men Aric Holman and Schnider Herard.

Howland also adds 5-star guard Nick Weatherspoon, Monticello native Keyshawn Feazell, and 2016 4-star Abdul Ado to the mix.