Floyd declared, “He’s exceptional.” Floyd said, “He’s got all the physical tools. But I loved his makeup, his character, and his poise. Many children have the ability, but not the mental makeup. He has both. He’s got both. Weatherspoon will have surgery to repair ligament damage. He will be out of action for the remainder of the season. Weatherspoon is expected to receive a medical redshirt, and will be able to return to State as a sophomore for the 2017-18 season. Floyd, a Hattiesburg native who was a coach for both the Chicago Bulls’ and New Orleans Hornets, said that he didn’t like what happened. You can’t replace a player his caliber. You can replace some of his points, but not what he means for their team. He is such a central point for what they are doing.” Floyd and Mississippi State coach Ben Howland have been friends since Floyd was a Southern Cal coach and Howland at UCLA. Floyd stated that it seemed like Ben was putting together all the pieces. He’s always great in his third season at school, and that looks to be the case at Mississippi State. This is going to really, really hurt their season. “You can’t replace a kid that can do everything that this kid can do.” State (3-1) returns to Humphrey Coliseum Friday for a game against Lehigh.