Western Kentucky Basketball: Hilltoppers continue success in the transfer market
Western Kentucky has bolstered their frontcourt by adding two quality transfers. How will DeSean Murray and Carson Williams impact the Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky added the perfect pair of forwards to maintain a strong frontcourt for the foreseeable future. DeSean Murray will make a major impact this season while Carson Williams will be waiting in the wings to takeover the PF position.
After losing Justin Johnson and Dwight Coleby, it looked like the Hilltoppers’ frontcourt would be a major weakness. Marek Nelson was a solid reserve, but was the only real four man on next season’s roster.
This made Western Kentucky an ideal destination for a grad transfer and they could not have dreamed of a better player or a better fit that DeSean Murray. Murray was a star player for Presbyterian in the Big South Conference before transferring to Auburn. He had an excellent year for the surprisingly good Auburn Tigers as he averaged 10.1 ppg and 6.7 rpg.
However, his playing time and role could have been reduced for the upcoming season because of the potential returns of Danjel Purifoy and Austin Wiley who could steal some frontcourt minutes. Chuma Okeke is also a possible breakout candidate at the PF position so he could overtake Murray in the rotation.
Murray made a logical move to Western Kentucky where he will play a similar role to Justin Johnson. He is extremely undersized at 6’3”, but he exudes toughness and plays much bigger than his size indicates. Murray is an active rebounder who plays with great energy and can score both around the rim and from the perimeter.
This addition is such a perfect fit for both sides. Murray will see around 30 minutes per game and should see his production increase. Western Kentucky is now the clear favorite in Conference USA now that Murray is in the fold, Kermit Davis has left Middle Tennessee, Trey Porter has transferred to Nevada, and Ajdin Penava is off to the NBA Draft.
All four of those teams (Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee, Marshall, and Western Kentucky) should still be very good, but it looks like Western Kentucky will be on a tier above those schools.
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Western Kentucky also found Murray’s replacement in Northern Kentucky transfer Carson Williams who will sit out this season and have two seasons of eligibility remaining. This was an excellent decision by Rick Stansbury to ensure that the PF position will be in capable hands for the next three seasons.
Williams was a standout at Northern Kentucky as he averaged 12.0ppg and 5.6rpg and also fits the Justin Johnson mold with his 6’5” 230 pound frame. He is a powerful finisher around the basket, but has also flashed a perimeter shooting touch (37% from three on 7 makes).
So Western Kentucky is set up nicely for years to come at PF, but their collection of guards and wings may be even more promising. The backcourt is led by Lamonte Bearden and Taveion Hollingsworth who both averaged double figures last season.
Freshmen Josh Anderson and Jake Ohmer were rotation players last season and could see bigger roles as sophomores. Anderson is definitely a player to watch since he will benefit from playing a full season without eligibility concerns.
Incoming players Jared Savage and Dalano Blanton should also carve out roles on the perimeter. Blanton is a highly rated freshman recruit while Savage is a veteran transfer coming off a redshirt year. This collection of talent is truly impressive and should lead to a memorable season for Hilltoppers fans.
The one weakness for Western Kentucky is at center where multiple unproven players will battle for minutes. Moustapha Diagne is the favorite to earn the starting nod despite averaging 0.6ppg last season. Diagne is a former top 50 recruit who had eligibility issues. Hopefully, being eligible to start the season and earning consistent minutes will help him realize his potential.
JUCO transfer Matthew Horton will also compete for the position and should have good chance to earn playing time as well. His size (6’11”), experience, and shot-blocking will be extremely beneficial for the Hilltoppers. Unheralded recruit Galen Smith III is the wildcard and rounds out the frontcourt options.
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As mentioned above, Western Kentucky is now the clear favorite in Conference USA and could even be an at-large caliber squad. The addition of DeSean Murray is a major reason as he is super talented and fits in perfectly with the existing pieces. Carson Williams will sit out this season, but will ensure Western Kentucky’s frontcourt is in good hands over the next few seasons.