Zeidaks, Smith dismissed from MSU basketball team

Shaun Smith px 5.jpg [1]

Shaun Smith, showed playing against Auburn last season, was dismissed from the MSU men's basketball team along with Kristers Zeidaks. (Photo by Kim Murrell, SDN)

Last April, new head men's basketball coach Rick Ray began to put his stamp on the Mississippi State program.

He set the standard for what it would now mean to play for the Bulldogs.

Hard work, determination and attention to detail would all be a factor in being a part of a new era in MSU basketball.

Ray stood firm on his guidelines as he dismissed Kristers Zeidaks and Shaun Smith on Tuesday for a violation of team rules.

“This is an unfortunate situation for Shaun, Kris and our team,” said Ray in a statement and indicated that he will make no further comment regarding this issue. “However, players must be held accountable for their actions. Both will remain on scholarship and have the academic support all our other student-athletes receive. I wish them the very best moving on with their careers.”

Smith has rarely seen playing time over the past two seasons due to a rash of injuries.

The Macon native, who played at Noxubee County High School, appeared in 34 games (10 last season) and averaged one point per game and .6 rebounds.

Zeidaks was serving an NCAA mandated suspension in regards to eligibility concerns.

The news comes following the conclusion of open tryouts for a pair of walk-on spots. It is unclear at this point who, if any, will make the team from those tryouts.