Kermit Davis discusses leadership role of Matthew Murrell

Kermit Davis’ Ole Miss program lost plenty of experience from their roster this offseason. Jarkel Joiner, Nysier Brooks, Luis Rodriguez, and Sammy Hunter all departed from the program since the Rebel’s season ended in the SEC Tournament against Missouri. With a void needing to be filled, Davis says one player has already stepped up to do so.

Junior guard Matthew Murrell is taking the next step to be a leader in Oxford according to Davis. His head coach say it has started both on the floor and in the film room.

“We haven’t talked in terms of scoring but we’ve talked a lot about the leadership,” said Davis. “(I) hear Matt’s voice a lot more. Matt and I watch tape every single day.”

Murrell finished third in scoring for the Rebels last season at 12.1 points per game. It was a significant jump from his freshman season where he averaged just 4.1 points. He also finished Top 10 in the SEC in three-point percentage at a 38.6% clip.

Davis’ teams have had success in recent years producing high level scoring guards. Murrell is just the latest to join that group with his junior year ahead. At 6-4 and with his progression, Kermit Davis believes it could all come together to help him reach the NBA.

“I think just mass progression. (Some) guys are on a different time level,” Davis said. “You see the NBA is drafting more older guys than they ever have. The NBA finally figured it out that experience will help you win with really good players. You see that in college basketball. A guy like Matt has three years here. (Murrell) has made great progression in freshman and sophomore year. He’s just on a great track to have a great junior year.”

Alongside Daeshun Ruffin, Jaemyn Brakefield, and Tye Fagan, Murrell will look to lead the Rebels to a better finish than 13-19, including a 4-14 conference mark. His new leadership will be put to the test come November 7th when Ole Miss opens next season against Alcorn State.