Quarterback Elijah Staley added to MSU's hoops roster

STARKVILLE — Elijah Staley is back on the Mississippi State basketball team.

The Bulldogs quarterback was added to the basketball roster Monday after the football team’s regular season ended Saturday.

Staley practiced on the hardwood last year under Rick Ray but never saw action in a game. He eventually rejoined the football team for bowl and spring practices.

The regime change didn’t alter Staley’s plans to play two sports at Mississippi State.

"I still plan on it. I talked to coach (Ben) Howland in the spring," Staley said in August. "He said after the season's over make sure I'm healthy and everything and I can come back out there and try again."

Staley signed with Mississippi State planning to play quarterback for Dan Mullen and forward  Ray.

The redshirt freshman played in two games for Mullen this season. He completed 3 of 5 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Howland was asked about Staley’s basketball career last week.

"I have no plan. I've never spoken to Elijah Staley," Howland said. "He came around when we first got the job and said, 'Hey I play both. I'd like to play both.' His focus needs to be on football and Ole Miss and the bowl game."

At 6-foot-7, Staley  averaged 18 points, 9.5 rebounds and seven assists as a junior. He’ll wear No. 33 for the Bulldogs’ basketball team. His first appearance will be Wednesday when MSU hosts Texas Southern.

Mississippi State football will practice again once the bowl games are announced.

Contact Michael Bonner at mbonner@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @MikeBBonner on Twitter.