Geoff Burke, USA TODAY SPORTS
Not all that long ago, the name Jamal Murray did not mean much to college basketball fans. The Canadian guard burst onto the recruiting scene when he led the world team to a narrow victory over the American squad in the 2015 Nike Hoop Summit.
Murray, who plays for Orangeville Prep in Canada, was the standout in the game, scoring 30 points as the World Team edged Team USA 103-101 in Portland, Oregon. Murray hit 12-of-23 from the floor, including three three-pointers and handed out five assists in the game.
Immediately, the best college basketball programs around the country began to show interest in Murray, who was scheduled to be in the Class of 2016.
On Sunday, the announcement came that Murray will re-classify to the Class of 2015, meaning he will be eligible to play college basketball this fall. Murray is scheduled to make his announcement on Tuesday, and he is expected to pick between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Oregon Ducks.
Either way, the team that Murray joins will be impacted greatly. If Murray chooses Kentucky, he would join a loaded backcourt that would include sophomore point guard Tyler Ulis and incoming freshman Isaiah Briscoe. Adding Murray would mean that Kentucky would have the nation’s best backcourt next season.
If it’s Oregon, Murray will be able to step into the spot occupied by Joseph Young last season. Young led the Ducks in scoring last season at 20.7 points per game. Murray has the ability to step in and provide the same type of offensive production.
One team is going to be lucky enough to add Jamal Murray for next season. Expect him to have an immediate impact, whether it’s in Lexington or Eugene.
Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
