Report: NEC Newcomer of Year Shivaughn Wiggins Leaving Mount St. Mary's

Shivaughn Wiggins went from a relative unknown to Newcomer of the Year in the Northeast Conference. Now, he will have the chance to potentially win that award a second time, albeit with different scenery.

The sophomore guard for Mount St. Mary's asked for and was granted his release based on several reports today. No reason for his departure was given, and no destination was named. As a freshman, he averaged almost 10 points per game for the Mount, while playing as in combo guard position.

During the conference season, he was even better, upping his totals to almost 12 points per game, and starting all but four of the 18 NEC contests.

The team appeared on the verge of breaking through in the conference with four of its best players back from last season. All four of the primary guards in the offense, and four of the five most valuable players by HOOPWAR for the Mount, were set to return.

As it is, without Wiggins, it appears the primary point duties will revert back to Julian Norfleet, with Rashad Whack and Sam Prescott the primary benefactors of his skill.

Wiggins was the third most valuable player for Mount St. Mary's by HOOPWAR last season, behind Whack and Prescott. He turned in a 1.05 HW30, with most of his value coming from his 45 percent shooting from the floor.

He is the third significant player from last season's team to leave prior to graduation.

UPDATE: Mount St. Mary's officially announced the roster change today, with a statement from coach Jamion Christian:

Shivaughn had an unbelievable freshman year for us here at the Mount and was a big contributor to this past season's success. We will continue to wish him the best in any of his future endeavors.

According to the release, Melvin Gregory, who did not appear in a game for the Mount last season, will also not return to the team this year.