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Well-traveled center Aaric Murray to play at Texas Southern

Aaric Murray

West Virginia center Aaric Murray (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Manhattan, Kan., Monday, Feb. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

AP

Before the 2012-13 season began there were high expectations for then-West Virginia center Aaric Murray. Murray was coming off of a season away from game action after transferring in from La Salle, and the expectation was that the talented forward would help the Mountaineers successfully handle the switch from the Big East to the Big 12.

Unfortunately things didn’t work out that way as both Murray and the program at large struggled throughout the season. Murray averaged 8.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while also dealing with nagging disciplinary issues. Ultimately he was dismissed from the program, and with a college degree in tow the 6-10 Murray began looking for a school where he could play his final season.

He’s found a new home, as according to Dan Wolken of USA Today Murray has joined Mike Davis’ program at Texas Southern. Murray joins a program that missed out on postseason play last year due to low APR numbers, but it should be noted that the Tigers were the best team in the SWAC (16-2; 17-14 overall). With the loss of two of their top three scorers (Omar Strong and Fred Sturdivant), Texas Southern can use the talent to go along with fifth-year seniors Ray Penn and Lawrence Johnson-Danner.

This move has the potential to help Murray as well, and this isn’t solely about basketball either. In a statement made to USA Today, Murray noted that he’ll be working with John Lucas while attending Texas Southern. Lucas has helped many players over the years, and that extra voice could be what Murray needs to take full advantage of his talents.

“I am very fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to be mentored by Coach John Lucas, while I attend Texas Southern University. Although, this is not the road I expected to take, this journey will undoubtedly support my goals long term.

“I also feel that being mentored by Coach Lucas and Coach Mike Davis will support my mission to be the best Aaric Murray I can be.

“Publicly, there are tons of expectations of what I should be. This however is the best opportunity I have in efforts of reaching my full potential. In addition anything that can be done in college basketball can be done at Texas Southern.”


Even with the graduation of Strong, who averaged 17.0 points per game and was the SWAC Player of the Year, Texas Southern has the pieces needed to win the league and reach the NCAA tournament. Adding Murray makes the Tigers that much better, provided he display a level of maturity that wasn’s always present in Morgantown.

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