Independent file photo Weston Baker Magrath slams home a dunk during their Dec. 31, 2015 game against Sioux Falls Lincoln. The former Tiger announced Thursday he is returning to Marshall to be a part of the Southwest Minnesota State University men’s basketball program.

MARSHALL – Weston Baker Magrath is taking things back to where it started.

The Marshall native and former Tiger announced Thursday morning that he will be returning to his hometown and become the newest member of the Southwest Minnesota State University men’s basketball program after spending two years at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

“First off, I’d like to thank the community here in Kearney, my coaches, and all my amazing teammates. I am sad to say that I will be transferring from UNK and I will miss it very much,” Baker Magrath said on Twitter. “On the other hand, I am very excited to say that I have committed to Southwest Minnesota State University to continue my academic and basketball career. Marshall, I’m coming home.”

Baker Magrath said he’s excited to return to the Marshall community and being able to play in front of the home fans was something he wanted to experience again.

“I’m just really excited to be playing for the Marshall community again,” Baker Magrath said. “One thing I struggled with was how far from home I was; I knew it was time to make a change and I still have two more years to do something with my career and I felt my best opportunity was at SMSU.”

Baker Magrath averaged 6.6 points per game, 3.1 rebounds and led the team in blocks with 33 as a sophomore with UNK. He also started in all but four games for the Lopers, averaging roughly 18 minutes per game. His freshman season saw him record a team-high field goal percentage of 55.4 while averaging 3.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game and was second on the team in blocks with 25.

The 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward will provide a key boost inside for the Mustangs, as SMSU is replacing both Kolin Bartlett and Steven McNease, who will graduate this spring.

Baker Magrath said he’s ready to help make an impact and feels right at home with his new teammates.

“I think I’ll fit in really well with the guys,” Baker Magrath said. “I am friends with some of them and they’re just a good group of guys. Everything we do will be together and I feel like I’m a missing piece to their team.”

Baker Magrath said he’s just looking forward to stepping onto the R/A Facility floor once again and be close to his family and friends.

“I’m excited to being closer to everything,” Baker Magrath said. “Our family has a really strong connection to Marshall and a lot of them traveled to see me play and this is going to make things easier. I’m just ready to play in front of this community again.”