Reports: Eli Wright Staying At Mississippi State

After reportedly requesting to transfer from the program last week, new reports are circulating that Eli Wright will remain at Mississippi State.

Some good news for the Men’s Basketball program.

According to reports circulating Twitter, Mississippi State guard Eli Wright has decided to stay in Starkville and remain a Bulldog for the upcoming season.

Scout’s Gene Swindoll had it first, and Bulldawgs247‘s Paul Jones reports he has heard the same.

Here is what Jones says he has heard about the situation:

"According to sources, Mississippi State rising sophomore Eli Wright has had a change of heart and plans to remain in the Bulldogs’ basketball program.On Thursday morning a pair of Mississippi State officials confirmed with Bulldawgs247 that Wright intends on staying at Mississippi State and will be in summer school this month. Last week it was reported that Wright had asked for his release and Wright confirmed that report. Wright met with the staff earlier this week to let them know of his plans to stay."

Last week, Mississippi State looked to be losing two members of an elite 2016 recruiting class — forward Mario Kegler and the aforementioned Wright. While Kegler is still expected to leave the program, Wright returning is big news for a team looking to make a big jump this upcoming season.

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As a freshman playing limited time in a crowded backcourt, Wright played 13 minutes per game and appeared in 30 of State’s 32 games last season. The Kentucky native averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 rebounds on 52.9% shooting in his first year on the college level.

Mississippi State returns All-SEC performer Quinndary Weatherspoon, floor general Lamar Peters, and sharpshooter Tyson Carter to next year’s backcourt. State also adds 5-star guard Nick Weatherspoon to the fold.

Wright will have an opportunity to see more minutes this season by committing to the defensive end of the floor. He has the talent to be on the court for the Bulldogs and shows lots of potential. Ben Howland is looking to continue his third-year success in the 2017-18 season.

*Note: stats gathered from sports-reference.com