A couple minor Murray tidbits

[MdWIldcat55]

In the 'small world' department, I have a friend who is a Canadian journalist, and he is friends of many years with both Jay Triano, the coach of the Canadian national team, and the guy who is president of the Canadian national basketball program, whose name eluded me.

My friend said that in separate conversations both Triano and the prez of Team Canada were over the top in their praise of Murray. Triano, who was head coach of the Toronto Raptors and is now an assistant with the Trail Blazers, said that he thought Murray was a better overall basketball player than Andrew Wiggins, though Triano also praised Wiggins and said he would have a terrific NBA career.

The other tidbit that may have been reported, but I didn't see it: The Canadian team is in close contact with Cal over whether Murray will be able to play for the Canadian team in Mexico for the Olympic qualifying round. They last talked yesterday morning. The Canadians were confident an issues could be worked out, and Murray would play in Mexico, but only if everything was worked out on Kentucky's end.

Again, nothing earth shattering, but a little summer news.

 

[ia.ukfan]

Great to hear. I don't think it ends up working out for him playing for Canada further in 2015 given cal said there was a absolute date he had to be present on campus to be elgible i just don't see it working out. That's based off little background research though. Regardless Murray is going to be a stud and it's crazy to think how much better we will be with him on our team. His commitment brought the most electrified ecstatic response from me amoung all the 2009-2015 commitments.

 

[Smashcat]

Wouldn't hurt my feelings if Murray doesn't play with the Canadian team and gets to Lexington soon to work on S&C and bonding with his teammates.

 

[Notorious23]

at this time in their careers, Wiggin was more athletic but Murray overall was a better player. Murray is a stud. the only thing that concerns me is that he goes all out which may lead to an unexpected injury. Overall, I couldnt be happier as i think he will be the best guard (and perhaps palyer) in the country. Not being a homer, but this is based on what he has accomplished. After Cal coaches him up even more, this will be the most dangerous and complete player inthe country.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Siva>Murray, Briscoe and Ulis combined!!!

 

[davekersey]

Good stuff Mdwildcat. Thanks.

 

[westerncat]

Wouldn't hurt my feelings if Murray doesn't play with the Canadian team and gets to Lexington soon to work on S&C and bonding with his teammates.

l feel the same way Smashcat. The sooner he gets too Lexington the better.

 

[BigKari]

Great to hear. I don't think it ends up working out for him playing for Canada further in 2015 given cal said there was a absolute date he had to be present on campus to be elgible i just don't see it working out. That's based off little background research though. Regardless Murray is going to be a stud and it's crazy to think how much better we will be with him on our team. His commitment brought the most electrified ecstatic response from me amoung all the 2009-2015 commitments.

Dude, me too with "electrified ecstatic response" After all the disappointment of recruits going elsewhere I had Murray written off. I just wasn't going to get my hopes up like I did with Jaylen Brown, only to see Murray inexplicably commit to Oregon. I didn't even tune in for the announcement and was playing video games with my roommate when I got a text from a friend, "We got Jamal!"

I was beside myself, I just ran out of my room and was running aimlessly through my house jumping on couches and beds yelling, "We got Jamal! We got Murray!" My roommate is a big UK fan but doesn't follow recruiting at all, and he was literally like, "Who is Jamal Murray?" and he was looking at me like I had two heads. "Dude I know this doesn't make sense to you right now, but come March your going to look back on this moment and think, 'maybe he's not a f***** lunatic'"

 

[CELTICAT]

'Preciate the tiddly bits

 

[WallMashKyBall]

I think Murray has an total "it factor" he has IT. The ball will be in his hands in tight games and he has a tough as nails mentality and doesn't shy from the moment. (his big scoring runs in last Canadian games came in the 4th quarter and overtime)

 

[KMKAT]

Is it possible that Murray will be the recruit we are most happy to have ended up with?

Could we end up with the top 2 when its all said and done?

 

[wildcatwelder]

Thanks for the update MD; always appreciate any info on our recruits.

Something is quite glaring if you stop and think about it: UK has SEVERAL of those "IT" guys, Murray, Ulis, Mulder, etc. Guys that WANT the ball in their hands at crunch time, who aren't afraid to take "the shot"; who exude confidence.

This is a big reason I believe Cal when he says this could be his best team yet.

 

[lkc1234]

Thanks for the update MD; always appreciate any info on our recruits.

Something is quite glaring if you stop and think about it: UK has SEVERAL of those "IT" guys, Murray, Ulis, Mulder, etc. Guys that WANT the ball in their hands at crunch time, who aren't afraid to take "the shot"; who exude confidence.

This is a big reason I believe Cal when he says this could be his best team yet.

Cal did not say this could be his best team. He said 2016 could be his best team.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Is it possible that Murray will be the recruit we are most happy to have ended up with?

Could we end up with the top 2 when its all said and done?

I think so.

Murray and Labissiere will be the best guard/big tandem in the country by March, IMHO.

I also think we will have what will be considered the best starting five (Ulis, Briscoe, Murray, Poythress, Labissiere) in the country by March.

 

[Federal Cat]

Thanks for the info MDWILDCAT55

 

[musrat59]

I agree with what one poster said about his conditioning and bonding with his teammates and it throws him behind the others. But, I fully understand when you want to represent your country.

 

[Tummygoat]

Cal did not say this could be his best team. He said 2016 could be his best team.

He said 2016 class could be his best class, not team.

 

[SosaUK]

This is a big reason I believe Cal when he says this could be his best team yet.

Link?

 

[stenchymouse]

I'll say something that I never said last year...

I think we're winning it all this year!!

I never felt completely comfortable last year because our best players didn't have the ball in their hands at the most crucial times when the game was on the line...

With Murray, Ulis and Briscoe...

Yeah, I think it's our year!!

BTW...Thanks for the info OP.

 

[wildcatwelder]

Cal did not say this could be his best team. He said 2016 could be his best team.

You're correct, my mistake.

 

[Mr. Anderson23]

Kid is going to be an absolute beast.