June 6, 2005

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Sophomore point guard Gary Ervin has left Mississippi State and transferred to Arkansas, another Southeastern Conference school, Razorbacks coach Stan Heath said Monday.

The 5-foot-11 Ervin started summer school classes at Arkansas on Monday. He will sit out the 2005-06 season as a transfer and then will have two years' eligibility remaining.

"It will give him time to get familiar with our players and our program, and he will be a valuable asset," Heath said of the redshirt year. "The addition of Gary addresses our future needs at the guard position."

As a sophomore last season at Mississippi State, Ervin averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals. He started 33 of 34 games for the Bulldogs, who reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.

"He is an experienced, proven player," Heath said. "His toughness, speed and heart make him really attractive. Those are things you can't coach or put a measuring stick on."

Ervin hit a 3-pointer with 1:09 remaining to give the Bulldogs a 56-52 lead over Arkansas in Fayetteville on March 1. Mississippi State won the game 57-55.

Arkansas' guards for next season are seniors Eric Ferguson and Dontell Jefferson, junior Ronnie Brewer and freshman Sean McCurdy.

"He assures us of having an experienced guard going into the future after this season," Heath said of Ervin.