Sophomore guard Jeff Xavier was released from his scholarship at Manhattan College and will transfer to Providence, The Post has learned. Xavier, a favorite of former coach Bobby Gonzalez, was second on the Jaspers in scoring (16.6 ppg). But as the MAAC school continues to search for a coach, Xavier, a Pawtucket, R.I., native, chose a more stable situation with the Friars.

A 6-foot shooting guard, Xavier averaged 24 points in three NIT games. “I can’t say enough about him. He got better and better as the season went along,” said Gonzalez, who took the Seton Hall job April 7. “By the time we hit the NIT, he was unbelievable. He wasn’t fazed by a thing.”

Meanwhile, UConn assistant Tom Moore has become Manhattan’s top candidate, a source said. An offer could come today. And while rumors swirl about Mo Hicks joining Gonzalez’ staff in South Orange, the Rice High head coach has no plans yet.

“As of right now,” Hicks said yesterday, “I’ll be at Rice.”

– Dan Martin contributed to this report