Story by Blake Sandlin, Sports Editor

Right when Racer fans thought recruiting season had come to a close Thursday with the signing of Hopkinsville guard Jalen Johnson, one more scholarship slot opened up.

On Friday, April 20, Murray State Head Coach Matt McMahon announced junior guard Byron Hawkins was transferring from the program to pursue opportunities as a graduate transfer.

“We are thankful for his contributions to our program and to our 2018 OVC championship team,” McMahon wrote in a press release. “I respect and support his desire to play the point guard position at his next school and we wish him the very best moving forward.  I look forward to congratulating Byron and his family at his May 12 graduation from our great university.”

Hawkins played an integral part in last season’s OVC championship team, playing in 25 games this season and starting in two. The junior marksman averaged 7.9 points per game for the Racers, providing a valuable spark off the bench from the three-point line. Hawkins’ season last year was highlighted by a 28-point performance in Murray State’s season-opener against Brescia, as well as outings against Middle Tennessee State and Wright State where he poured in 16 and 13 points, respectively.

His departure comes as Murray State prepares to welcome a surplus of guards to its team. The team had commitments from Johnson, Jaiveon Eaves, and Daquan Smith, as well as guard returners in freshman Tevin Brown, junior Shaq Buchanan and freshman Ja Morant.

Hawkins originally transferred to the Racers from Towson in 2016, and sat out the 16-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules.

Now with an additional scholarship at its disposal, Murray State will likely look to bolster its frontcourt presence, after signing a multitude of guards to its roster over the past month.