Former Kansas State transfer forward Achor Achor breaks down Mississippi State decision
Earlier this month Mississippi State lost KeShawn Murphy to the transfer portal and were in a major search to find replacements at the forward position. That search completed Friday night with the addition of former Kansas State forward Achor Achor.
Earlier this week the Bulldogs also added former Michigan transfer Sam Walters at that four position. Achor played two seasons at Samford before the Melbourne, Australia, native transfers to Kansas State this past season.
“I felt like I needed a fresh start,” explained the 6-foot-9 and 230-pound Achor. “I really connected well with their coaches. Plus, the fact Coach (Chris) Jans has won everywhere and has a winning setup. That is a program I want to be part of.”
Achor only played in seven games this season for Kansas State before leaving the program. In those seven games he averaged 7.3 points and 2.7 boards.
Achor helped lead Samford to its first NCAA Tournament appearance two seasons ago and was a driving force in that postseason journey. In is last season at Samford, Achor averaged 16.1 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. He also shot 58.6% from the field, 43.5% from 3 point rang and 71.2% at the foul line.
“It’s going to be fun playing the four in the SEC,” Achor added. “I am excited and ready to show my talent. I am in a great place right now and I am ready to get to work. I had to keep my list short this time around but Mississippi State checked out on everything.”
Also with his decision, getting another shot at March Madness was a factor for Achor. He added again that Jans also played a pivotal role in Friday’s decision along with State’s winning history of late.
“Coach Jans was a huge factor,” remarked Achor. “It is his history, too. He is also a good guy that is a winner. I have won a lot, too, and they’ve made the NCAA Tournament three years in a row. So it would be cool to get back to the NCAA Tournament in my last year.”
Regarding his exit from Kansas State, Achor mentioned it wasn’t a good place for him this past season. But it has added fuel to his fire to return to the court with a bang.
“It just wasn’t a good fit at Kansas State,” recalled Achor. “It was unfortunate but it wasn’t a good fit. But it makes me extremely hungry to get back and to work hard. I am excited to see what I can do when I hit the court next season.”
Achor has yet to visit State but plans to do that in the near future. But he was quickly impressed with his conversations with Jans and Bulldog assistant Dave Anwar, so much so that he went ahead and found his new program.
“The cool thing is I didn’t even have to visit Starkville to know it’s a good place,” Achor noted. “Coach Jans got me on Zoom and told me about the history of the program and the culture of the program. I know a few guys that have played at Mississippi State and they spoke highly of Starkville and Mississippi State. That sold it for me.”
Mississippi State’s departing transfers
Junior point guard Kanye Clary (Oklahoma State)
Sophomore center Michael Nwoko (LSU)
Sophomore guard Martavious Russell (Louisiana-Monroe)
Redshirt freshman wing Adrian Myers
Junior forward/center KeShawn Murphy (Auburn)
Mississippi State’s incoming transfers
Wichita State center Quincy Ballard
Michigan forward Sam Walters
UAB guard Ja’Borri McGhee
Arizona State guard Amier Ali
Kansas State forward Achor Achor
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