May 30, 2006

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College men's basketball coach Tim Welsh announced on May 30 that student-athlete Jeff Xavier (Pawtucket, R.I.) has transferred to Providence. Xavier, who will be entering his junior year, played two seasons at Manhattan College from 2004-06. Due to NCAA transfer regulations, Xavier is not eligible to compete in any games for the Friars until 2007-08, but he will practice with the team in 2006-07.

Xavier, a 6-foot, 180-pound guard, recently finished his sophomore season at Manhattan College. Xavier averaged 16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.9 assists in 31 games for the Jaspers in 2005-06. For his efforts he was named Second Team All-Metro Atlantic Conference and All-New York City Third Team. Xavier registered a career-high 31 points in the Jaspers' victory at Maryland in the First Round of the NIT. As a freshman, he started 17 of 29 games and averaged 7.8 points and 1.4 steals. In each of his two seasons at Manhattan, he led the team in three pointers. As a freshman, Xavier recorded 48 threes and hit a Mahattan single-season record of 77 as a sophomore.

A native of Pawtucket, Xavier attended St. Raphael Academy. He averaged 28 points per game as a junior and 26 points per game as a senior. He also earned two All-State honors.

"We have been impressed by Jeff's ability since he was a student at St. Raphael," Welsh said. "Over the last two years he has demonstrated that he can compete at a very high level and he should help improve our team. Although he will not be eligible to compete next season, his presence on the team and his competitiveness at practice will be a key to our success."

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