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1 on 1 with Mississippi State junior KeShawn Murphy

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby:Paul Jones•about 9 hours•

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KeShawn Murphy (Photo by Mississippi State Athletics)

It’s been a long time coming for Mississippi State junior KeShawn Murphy. After injuries hampered the start of his college career, the Bulldog center/forward has simply become the team’s most improved player this season and the proof is in the pudding.

The Alabama native is currently averaging a career-best 11 points a game, good for second on the team, and also leads the team in rebounds (7.2 a game) and blocked shots (25). Before the season began, there were plenty of rumblings about Murphy’s improved status and those preseason rumblings turned into reality on the court.

Recently, Maroon and White Daily sat down with Murphy to discuss certain topics dealing with the past, present and future:

Q: Looking back at your first couple of years, injuries really hampered your development. What did you lean on during those tough times?
Murphy: Me, myself and I. I pride myself that I have come so far. I was just staying to myself and knowing where I wanted to be every day. It has gotten me a long way. I can always refer to the coaches and the people that were around me. But it was just about me and me wanting to prove myself and I feel so grateful and blessed.

Q: Last year you stepped away from the team for a little while. How tough was that situation for you?
Murphy: It was really tough. I was going through tough times and it was hard on me as a kid that wanted to be on the rise. Once again, I had to figure out who I was and what helped me was my family. I went back home, follow up with who I am as a person and who I want to be. I thank my mom, my dad, my grandmother and all the people that stood beside me through all of that. It made me a better person and it made me a better player.

Q: When you look at the culture of this program, how much was that set years ago with the guys that came before you?
Murphy: I know Coach (Ben) Howland recruited good guys and they led me the right way. They were all good people, let alone being good players. Where they came from, they were always good people and I learned a lot from them and that helped out a lot. Mook (Cameron Matthews) and Tolu Smith helped me the most. I respect them for that and they are like older brothers to me and I appreciate them so much.

Q: What was that conversation like when Chris Jans first approached you about playing center for this season?
Murphy: It really wasn’t a conversation. I just read the room and I put myself in the place I needed fit in. I am going to do it the best at can at that position wherever I am. I appreciate Coach giving me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and play somewhere I haven’t played in the past. And I’ve gotten better.

Q: What was the toughest transition moving to center?
Murphy: Really guarding the ball and being more physical this year. I have grown in that aspect.

Q: What has to happen for this team to finish strong this season?
Murphy: Us staying together. If we stay together, everything else will take care of itself. It is really a mental thing and we have to stick to the plan that we’ve talked about. If we do that then I feel we can come out on top.

Q: Looking towards next season, what do you want to improve on?
Murphy: I want to get better with my 3 point shot. Early in the year I was a better 3 point shooter. Coming back for another year, I want to work on my all-around game. I want to be able to score at all three levels and score outside of the paint, midrange. I can do it now but I can do it better. This summer I want to work on my entire game and see how that goes.

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