Mississippi State's KeShawn Murphy: 'This is my home'

Following the conclusion of his redshirt sophomore campaign, Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy had an interesting turn of events. The Alabama native entered the transfer portal in April, only to withdraw from the portal weeks later and return to the Bulldogs’ roster.

This offseason, Murphy is one of several veterans back in the fold for head coach Chris Jans and the State staff. He is also surrounded by a lot of new faces via the transfer portal additions.

Last week Murphy met with local media to discuss his offseason and his change of heart among other topics:

Q: What led to your decision to enter the portal and then your decision to withdraw from the portal?
Murphy: My decision to enter the portal was more about trying to find a better fit for me. It was an individual thing I had to battle. My decision on coming back was a home thing. I missed the fans and I couldn’t let them go. This is my home and this is where I belong. I wasn’t gonna let that go. I can’t be selfish and I made the decision to stay here.

Q: A lot of familiar faces from last year have moved on. How different is that vibe in the locker room now?
Murphy: It’s a change. But the train keeps moving. We are a little bit smaller now so we get out and go faster, playing up tempo. Having that loss of veterans is kind of hard, but the people that have been here have to pick up where they left off and be leaders.

Q: Does that add more leadership duties on your shoulders?
Murphy: Yes. Maybe not vocally but showing it and telling them how things go around here. Being on time and holding that Jans’ standard.

Q: How do you fit in with this team, mentoring younger guys while fighting for your own spot?
Murphy: Good because I was in their position, too. When Jans came in I had to figure things out. Me being around helps others around me that are in my same position. I feel like I am a big help to have around.

Q: Your thoughts on the new transfers?
Murphy: Not even about basketball, they’re good people and I like good people. We will get along and everything will take care of itself. They don’t complain and they work and they know what we are here for.

Q: Last year you played some at the four and the five. Where are you practicing at this offseason?
Murphy: I am working everywhere. Right now we have positionless basketball. So sometimes I will be pushing it, sometimes I am running the floor and getting down there before the five. Sometimes I am setting ball screens, sometimes I am spotting up. I’m just wherever I need to be to help the team.

Q: What does this team need to do to get into another NCAA Tournament and make a run?
Murphy: I would say focus. We can’t lose focus. We get a little too high at times so if we stay focused and locked in, I feel like we will be a good team and pick up where we left off.

Q: You’ve spent a lot of time in this building. There were a lot of big crowds last year. How much did that help the team with that fan experience?
Murphy: It did. Everything from last year to now, everything is just better this year.

Q: Last year you were playing against Riley Kugel and RJ Melendez and now they are your teammates. How weird is that?
Murphy: Oh it’s real weird. We talk about it every time and we reflect back on the times and what we did to stop them. But that builds a better bond, how we stop and how we guard. Just being on the team with better athletes, it makes me a better player, too.

Q: I guess it’s the same with Claudell Harris and Michael Nwoko, who played against each other last year?
Murphy: It’s like everybody knows everybody already. That makes it even better. Last year we had some guys that came from all over but this year everybody knows everybody. We’re already a family and they were a family before they got here. Jans is going to take care of everything else with the staying-together side of things. So we got nothing to worry about.

Q: Describe Michael Nwoko’s game.
Murphy: He’s got a high motor, ready at all times. He listens and he’s a good person.