What are the chances of Jamal Murray reclassifying?

[BlueRattie]

I'm doing some research on Jamal Murray, the top HS guard in Canada and finding some interesting stuff.

1) He's 18 years old, and can reclassify to the 2015 class if he wishes.
2) Is something of a combo guard, has shooting guard size, but is a willing and able passer.
3) Nice outside shot, and a smooth athlete, capable of getting to the hoop when necessary.
4) I considered an NBA prospect, most mock drafts have him in the top 20.
5) Fits the mold of Kentucky's "international" roster tendencies of the past couple of years.

So I ask you:

1) It seems to me that he's certainly a good fit for this year, perhaps even better than the more athletic but less versatile Newman. Is this really true, or am I guilty of wishful thinking brought on by our fading hope of getting Newman?
2) Does Cal have a chance to both reel this kid in and get him to reclassify?
3) How would he fit in with the current UK roster?

I'll sit back and watch the discussion.

 

[bucsrule8872]

His stock is soaring. He's a likely first rounder. Could go lottery.

He should go ahead and get college over with season and start making money.

Another Canadian, Andrew Wiggins, reclassified recently and that worked out well for him.

For our part, we should jump at the chance to get him. He is very talented and would fit well with Ulis and Briscoe in the backcourt. Pencil him in as our starting SG.

Also, Murray has played with Labissiere and Diallo. One is on our roster, the other will hopefully be on our roster. I think he is good friends with Skal. He also played with Wynyard at the Nike Hoops Summit.

And we have had pretty good luck with Jamal M's (Mashburn, Magloire- yes I am aware it's Jamaal).

I would be happy with either Newman or Murray.

 

[wcc31]

We get Murray, we're preseason #1. Kid is that good.

 

[UKCATSFREAK]

Call me crazy but I want Murray over Newman. I will probably get bumrushed for saying this but its how I feel. First, I'd love to get either and I'd take Newman in a heart beat and trust that Cal will bury an issues that I have with Newman. With that said, I worry about Newman's attitude towards being a team and worry about what his priorities are right now. I'm just concerned about his intentions and how he will handle being at UK. Reminds me a lot of how I felt with Goodwin a few years back. I think Malik is a better player than Archie but I'm speaking from an attitude standpoint. Again, I trust Cal will fix any issues if there are any needing fixing but if given the choice, I'm taking Murray. I think this kid is a stud and a really special player as well.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I'd take Murray or Newman and consider myself a blessed fan at this point in the game.

 

[jslash1]

Probably pretty good.

 

[ukmelanie]

Does anyone know the date you have to announce you will reclassify by?

 

[BillionthUKFan]

Would love for UK to land Murray and for him to reclassify if possible--not sure the probability of it, but it's been discussed by his father I believe that he might. I'm fine with either him or Newman, but I seriously doubt we get both if he does reclassify.

 

[gossie21]

Does anyone know the date you have to announce you will reclassify by?

I don't know that you ever have to announce it.

My guess is that he would need to complete the necessary course work by the time enrollment closes for UK.

 

[Brando Mac]

Hopefully very, very good.

Things with Newman don't look promising. We'll probably get Mulder, but nothing is ever for certain. I just have to think that one of the guards/wings/shooters we're in on will come to their senses and realize that there are open spots and available minutes at their position and that they'll be playing alongside two stud lead guards that will find them and set them up for easy shots.

It just seems like there are a lot of odd birds in this class that are making some really peculiar decisions that have nothing to do with playing winning basketball or which program and coach can best prepare them for the NBA.

 

[JFCats22]

Chris Fisher ‏@ChrisFisher247

Confirmed with Jamal Murray's father they met with John Calipari and Kenny Payne for "a couple hours" Saturday http://247sports.com/Player/Jamal-Murray-35680… #BBN

 

[BillionthUKFan]

Chris Fisher ‏@ChrisFisher247

Confirmed with Jamal Murray's father they met with John Calipari and Kenny Payne for "a couple hours" Saturday http://247sports.com/Player/Jamal-Murray-35680… #BBN

A couple hours, huh? Seems like a long time for a recruiting visit, but sounds good to me.

 

[JFCats22]

Sonny Bairos ‏@sonnybairos

Hearing Roger Murray will accompany CIA Bounce to Lexington, KY for Nike EYBL Session #2. If true you can bet Jamal Murray visits UK campus

 

[bookerfan66]

Kid seems more ready than most of the others.I can't imagine why he would want to stay in high school another year.I feel really good about our chances to land him.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Ok, I am starting to get really giddy about the possibility of Murray and Diallo joining Mulder and the other guys. That will be an awesome class.

 

[BillionthUKFan]

Ok, I am starting to get really giddy about the possibility of Murray and Diallo joining Murray and the other guys. That will be an awesome class.

Ditto. That would be awesome. If Cal somehow managed to also get Ingram or Brown then watch out.

 

[UKeffect]

Any thoughts on Thornton's verbal does to our chances with Murray?

 

[TheFolker]

Any thoughts on Thornton's verbal does to our chances with Murray?

Hopefully Thornton's verbal is a reaction to what Murray is going to do.

 

[UKeffect]

Hopefully Thornton's verbal is a reaction to what Murray is going to do.

This is what I was thinking. Hopefully it will get the ball rolling. Potential 3 guard lineup with Briscoe and Ulis would be nasty!

 

[GonzoCat90]

Any thoughts on Thornton's verbal does to our chances with Murray?

It can only help, especially if he reclassifies.

Would be interesting to see us roll with three PGs.

 

[Blueathletics]

Murray better than Briscoe? Or different type players?

 

[JFCats22]

Chris Fisher ‏@ChrisFisher247
Strong sense that Kentucky likes Jamal Murray for 2016 but prefer 2015. Question becomes whether Murray reclassifies. He's definitely ready.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Murray better than Briscoe? Or different type players?

Different type players, but Murray's size/athleticism gives him the edge as a prospect. Better scorer too, from what I've seen and read, which is not nearly as much as I have of Briscoe.

 

[BillionthUKFan]

Sorry, a bit off topic... I wanted to see how this embedded video feature worked on here.

Murray highlights from the Nike Hoop Summit in case anybody didn't see the game:

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

That highlight package is awesome. He's like butter.

 

[wcc31]

Murray was the best player at the Nike Hoops Summit. Better than Simmons. Better than Skal. He was great attacking the basket and showed tremendous range on his J. Looked to be a prototypical modern day combo guard. Reminded me a lot of Brandon Roy. Made everything look easy. Was very impressive.

 

[UK HEMINGWAY]

This kid and Skal could easily go 1, 2 in next years nba draft.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Matt thinks we get him now, per a deleted tweet he meant to send as a DM.

 

[BillionthUKFan]

Matt thinks we get him now, per a deleted tweet he meant to send as a DM.

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Did the deleted tweet mention whether he thought Murray would reclassify or not?

 

[Ryan Lemonds Diary]

So your saying there's a chance..

pretty decent up until he doesn't.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Interesting, thanks for sharing. Did the deleted tweet mention whether he thought Murray would reclassify or not?

Didn't say.

Best I can remember, it read: "Think they get Murray now. He's good man. Big get for Cal." and then something about asking if they were getting dinner.

 

[Born and raised Big Blue]

Saw jones tweet sounds great.

 

[caneintally]

man if we could add Murray , Mulder and Diallo - OHHHH MAN.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

man if we could add Murray , Mulder and Diallo - OHHHH MAN.

Those 3, probably talking about very few losses. Would have several highly competitive guys on the same team with most, if not all, the talent needed.

 

[JFCats22]

Jerry Meyer ‏@jerrymeyer247

Highly likely Jamal Murray reclassifies to 2015. I'm expecting it.

 

[Brando Mac]

Jerry Meyer ‏@jerrymeyer247

Highly likely Jamal Murray reclassifies to 2015. I'm expecting it.

 

[loublue22]

Murray would be so huge, I don't want to get too excited. I'm not sure I've ever been more impressed watching a high school guard.

 

[rabidcatfan]

If Murray reclassifies to 2015, then he's going to be a Cat. Mark it down.

 

[BleedBlueCats21]

Definitely seems likely at this point. As others have said, if he reclassifies, he is almost certainly a Cat. Mulder appears locked up too. Need to get Diallo and put a bow on this class.

 

[cats#1again]

He has a certain confidence about his game that reminds me of James Hardin a little. He toys with the defender. This kid could really be great.