Bloodman is a Bulldog

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Depth at the point guard position received a major boost Friday when Mississippi State coach Rick Ray announced the signing of Trivante Bloodman.

The 6-foot-0 native of Bronx, N.Y., spent last season at Olney Central College, a two-year school in Illinois, where he guided the Blue Knights to a 25-8 ledger after averaging 15.4 points, 3.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals.

He was tabbed Great River Athletic Conference and Region 24 Freshman of the Year and was also a finalist for player of the year honors.

Bloodman, who will have three years of eligibility at MSU, is the fourth player signed by Ray in the last two weeks, as he joins Colin Borchert, Andre Applewhite and Jacoby Davis.

"I'm looking forward to coming to Mississippi State and being a Bulldog," said Bloodman, whose team advanced to the finals of the Region 24 tournament this past spring. "I'm a hard worker, and I love to win. That's all I've ever known. And I know this is a place where we can win."

Prior to his arrival at Olney, Bloodman, who was born Dec. 26, 1992, enjoyed a stellar career at Wadleigh Secondary School For The Performing & Visual Arts in Manhattan, N.Y.

In his four years, the Tigers won the Manhattan Borough crown four times and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Double A playoffs on three occasions. As a senior, Wadleigh posted a 29-6 mark after dropping a 47-44 decision to top-ranked Wings Academy for the right to advance to the Final Four.

"Mississippi State is getting a great kid with a great personality," Wadleigh coach Michael Crump said.

"He is someone that always works hard and is one of those guys that will annoy you defensively. He's got long arms and he's very strong. He's got deceptive speed and will surprise you with his talents. I won't be surprised if he messes around and gets himself drafted in three years."

He concluded his prep career averaging 23 points. He scored 30-plus points five times en route to earning first-team Manhattan All-City honors by both the Daily News and the Post. He was also a two-time Public School Athletic League player of the week and a McDonald's All-American nominee.

"Trivante is a guy I'm excited about, because I think he can really help change our team and make a huge impact defensively," Ray said. "It's important that we have a point guard that can be a pest and bother the other team's point guard for 94 feet on every possession. And Trivante is a young man who will embrace that role and give our defense great energy. Offensively, he will be able attack the defense and get into the paint to make plays for himself and his teammates."

In all, the Bulldogs will have seven newcomers in the fall, as Craig Sword, Gavin Ware and Fred Thomas all signed back in November.