Men’s basketball: Guards leave the program

Wright State announced the departures of WSU guards Grant Evans and Mark Howell Wednesday afternoon. Evans had three years of eligibility remaining while Howell had two.

Evans and Howell could transfer to another Division I institution and redshirt next season, or play next season for a Division II or III program.

Evans, a native of Slema, Ind. played a larger role with the Raiders later in the year as injuries piled up. He had a career high of nine points in 27 minutes in the Raiders’ loss to Youngstown State late in the season. But in WSU’s final four contests of the year, Evans only played 14 minutes.

Howell, a 5-foot-10 guard from Grand Prairie, Texas, came into the season expected to play a larger role according to WSU head coach Billy Donlon. Last year, Howell was pulled over and cited for an underage drinking charge. Because of the charges, Howell was suspended for the Raiders’ first game of the season.

From that point, Howell only average 8.9 minutes and 1.5 points per game.

Even with guards Reggie Arceneaux and Chrishawn Hopkins exiting program following their senior year, there was no guarantee Evans or Howell would see increased playing time next year. The Raiders are adding Ball State transfer Mark Alstork and Youngstown freshman Mark Hughes to next year’s squad.

Their departures mean WSU currently has 10 players under scholarship for next year meaning Donlon can sign up to three players over the offseason. He could also offer the remaining scholarships to a walk-on.