Predicted first-round pick Trey Murphy has chosen to hire an agent, give up his remaining eligibility at Virginia and keep his name in the 2021 NBA draft, he told ESPN on Monday.
"I loved UVA and everyone out there, but it's time for me to move on," Murphy told ESPN. "I feel like I'm ready to take on this challenge. I wanted to show that I'm completely committed to this opportunity, and how serious I am about the process. I've been looking forward to it all my life." I have never been more prepared to embark on this journey; I feel prepared and confident."
Murphy announced in April that he was testing the NBA draft waters, but left the option of returning to school open for his senior season. His stock has soared since then and he is currently ranked as the number 30 prospect on the ESPN 100, making him a strong candidate to have his name heard in the first round with a successful pre-draft process .
"Many teams say they are very keen with me. Different teams are targeting me with their first round selections. The range is wide, so now we need to figure out which team is better than me. Best suited for my development. The goal isn't just to get a certain number of drafts, but to play 15 years in the NBA. I want to make sure I get the foundation right and get into a team that is my best. help me reach my potential."
Murphy, a transfer from Rice, averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 assists in his single season at Virginia, shooting 43% for 3, 62% for 2 and 93% from the free-throw line. He was named to the ACC All-Academic Team.
At 6-foot-9, Murphy was considered one of the best wing shooters in college basketball, ranking as the most skilled half-court scorer in the nation among potential draft picks according to Synergy Sports Technology. He made 50% of his open standstill 3-pointers this season, topping potential draft picks, giving him a clear role in the 3-point-crazed NBA, where he was able to play up to three positions due to his size, length Should be. and solid athletic ability.
He is a fine decision-maker and versatile defender who was able to make an impact as a cutter and transition scorer while dribble-handoff and off the screen.
Murphy says he initially planned to redshirt after being transferred from Rice, but that changed when practice resumed and the coaching staff realized he could help make an immediate impact in the ACC.
"I wasn't planning on playing, but once we started competing, I saw that I was one of the best players on the floor. We thought maybe I didn't need a red shirt and instead I would go with this I can help the team win games. I spoke with my family and coaching staff, and they were all excited about it. In the end it turned out great for me, the decision not to redshirt."
Virginia won the ACC regular-season championship with a 13-4 record in conference play, but was upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament by Ohio after being forced to withdraw from the ACC tournament due to a positive COVID case. Teams consisting of Jay Huff, Sam Hauser and Trey Murphy graduate or NBA draft have lost their entire starting frontcourt.
"We had a great season, I really enjoyed it. I've been part of one of the funniest years of basketball. I've grown a lot as a player, which I owe to coach [Tony] Bennett. I was a great defender when I came in, and I improved there. I'm a good defender now and UVA helped me expand my game and become a more attractive prospect."
Jonathan Givoni is an NBA draft specialist and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.