See Ya Later Gary Ervin........NY Times vs. Clarion Liar

[Greenhead22]

Ervin exits Miss. State

BY KRISTIE ACKERT
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Gary Ervin is leaving Mississippi State. The former all-city Daily News guard from Brooklyn's Robeson High School asked for and received his release from the school on Monday. He is beginning the process of recruiting all over again this week.

"It just didn't work out, (coach Rick Stansbury) is a big man coach," said the 6-foot Ervin, "I just need to go somewhere else to continue to develop."

Ervin's career in Starkville was up and down. Known as a flashy scorer out of high school and then out of Notre Dame Prep school, Ervin started 33 of 34 games this season, averaging 7.4 points per game for the Bulldogs, whose offense was centered around forwards Lawrence Roberts and Winsome Frazier. That was a letdown for Ervin after an all-SEC freshman season.





April 13, 2005

Point guard Ervin considering transfer

By Ian R. Rapoport
irapopor@clarionledger.com

STARKVILLE — With four recruits already signed and at least two more orally committed to Mississippi State, it's possible the late signing period that begins today may not provide much excitement.

Instead, the intrigue involves a player who already wears the maroon and white — point guard Gary Ervin.

Some recruiting experts dubbed MSU's class among the top 10 even before Oak Hill Academy (Va.) star Jamont Gordon committed Sunday.

But it's possible that Ervin, MSU's only returning starter, may not be here to play with the star-studded recruiting class.

The sophomore confirmed Tuesday that he requested and received permission from the MSU compliance office to speak with other schools about the possibility of transferring. Ervin was adamant that it doesn't mean he is definitely leaving. He said he hasn't even spoken with other coaches yet. It all hinges on a meeting with coach Rick Stansbury about his future.

"Believe me, I want it to work out at Mississippi State," Ervin said. "I want this to be positive rather than negative."

Tyler Hill, an assistant to MSU compliance officer Bracky Brett, declined comment. Ervin would not name possible schools.

"I'm not considering anything until I find out what's going to happen at my meeting," said Ervin, who averaged 7.4 points and 4.7 assists.

Ervin said he wants to play with the 2005 recruiting class, which is expected to include former Grenada forward Bernard Rimmer, who told a recruiting Web site he will sign today. There will likely be others.

But Ervin feels there needs to be changes from the way Stansbury handled him last season.

"I need some leeway," Ervin said. "Everybody is entitled to make mistakes."

With his high-speed, push-the-ball style, Ervin thrived at the beginning of the season but drew Stansbury's ire by the end. The coach, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, viewed him as a high-risk point guard and often benched him after turnovers. Each turnover by Ervin, it seems, ate at Stansbury and the leash grew shorter and shorter.

After a home loss against LSU, Ervin left the locker room before his teammates because he did not play in the final 11 minutes. Stansbury started Jamall Edmondson instead of him the next game.

"That kind of messed up the end of the season," Ervin said, "that little altercation (with Stansbury). But I want to put that behind us."

He wants to move on at MSU, mainly because of how talented the recruits are supposed to be, even if Lanier star Monta Ellis opts for the NBA instead of coming to Starkville. With Ellis, recruiting Web site scout.com ranks MSU's incoming class No. 6 nationally.

Ervin also thinks that many will be able to play at the high-speed pace on which he thrives.

"It'll change the whole situation," he said. "It'll just be a bunch of athletes who will run."

[Bankermane]

Worst point guard in the SEC. He new with the new recruits that he was history.

[bigwater]

my take on gary....

first he was regarded as a prolific scorer coming out of high school and prep school.. without a doubt i would say that 80% or even more of the points he scored were on drivin layups right in front of the goal.. while these moves we nifty, they didn't work nearly as well in the sec.. i would dare say that he lead the sec in having his shot blocked last year...

his outside shot was neal...

when he did pentrate to the lane.. he seemed to be thinking score first and opposed to pass first..

for every good play you can find that gary made; you can find a bad play.. thats not acceptable for a point guard...

IMO.. he wasn't suited to be a leader or run the offense...

gary did possess some good things.. he was quick and he was a good on ball defender..

all in all i don't feel that it will be that difficult to replace him and his stats...

good luck gary..

[Greenhead22]

He knew his playing time was gee after signing 4 stud guards and possibly a 5th if Stans can pull it off, plust Brimmer and Goodridge.

[turkeyman]

There is a lord. my PRAYERS have been answered. yall know how i feel about him. this is the best thing for state. we have a great chance now.

[RebelYelp]

looks like croom is taking over the basketball program too!!! players leaving left and right