Watching Inside Basketball with Duke’s Coach K, yesterday’s episode focused on Alex Murphy, who left high school after four years to come to Duke instead of going through another year of prep school. Uncovering the mystery of Murphy not participating in any Duke games has been a favorite past time of many Blue Devil fans this season. The show talked with both Alex and Coach K about the plan for Alex’s future this season and beyond. Below are a few quotes from the show.
Alex Murphy:
When I came down and left high school a year early I was positive I was going to redshirt. And then after having a great summer and trip to Dubai and China, that sort of went out of the picture. I had a great fall as well and continued to get stronger and work on my game. Then, I suffered a little injury (had a concussion) which was a setback for me especially because it was during that first week of practice when we had games coming up. Not being able to practice then was something that set me back a little. It was frustrating for me because I really wanted to get in there and be a part of that rotation and play. But, I talked to my family and I talked to the coaches a little bit and the option of redshirting is still there. I played in a few of the exhibition games but I haven’t gotten in to any of the regular season games yet. As of right now, it’s to be determined but I think that’s the plan for the future.
Coach K:
I think Alex is going to be an outstanding player in our program. He still is maturing. I think he’s going to get taller and bigger. He runs so well and he can shoot it. He’s probably the best cutter on our team. He’s come early so we’re going to see if there’s not a need to use him, then we won’t use him. He could end up being a four-year starter and an all-conference player for us. I mean that’s how good I think he is.
Alex Murphy:
I think there’s a lot pros about it (redshirting). Just having that extra year, taking sort of a back seat this year and watching some of the older guys who have been through it before, it’s good. More especially just for me, physically getting stronger and working on my game every day. Being able to work out with the coaches individually, just the little things. A year will help me physically and mentally. I’ll be ready next year.
Coach K:
He’s been a heck of a practice player and because we have a lot of people on the perimeter, it may be something where we don’t use him but we’re not going to make that decision just yet.
Can’t get any better sources than these two on the plan for Alex Murphy this season. The main points that stood out to me form the show were that Coach K talks about Alex as a perimeter player. I know there had been some thoughts that Alex could play down low next year but maybe that’s not the plan as of right now. It’s also interesting to hear from Alex directly that the concussion was the big thing that has led to him not playing yet.
Clearly it looks like we won’t be seeing any of #12 this season, but all parties are on the same page it seems and that’s the most important thing right now.
