NCAA Basketball: Top returning players to watch for 2022 NBA Draft

5. Keegan Murray – Iowa – Sophomore – 6’8, 215 lbs – August 2000

A funky prospect, Murray was one of the better defensive players in the Big Ten last season. For some reason that still makes no sense to me, he only played 19 minutes per game. Murray was just one of three players in the entire country with a block % of at least 7, steal percentage of at least 2, and 15 made threes.

Murray has a lot of unteachables that make him such a good defender. He’s got a plus wingspan and glides around the court very well for a 6’8 human. This allows him to not get killed on switches, But Murray is a smart defender. He makes smart rotations to block or contest shots. He doesn’t leave his feet unless he needs to, letting his length do the work. He’s an active rebounder, aided by his quick-twitch leaping ability.

Offense is where Murray will have to continue to grow. He’s useful in the dunker spot but isn’t a five, so would need a shooting center to operate there. He shot just 29% from three but was willing to take them. I’m optimistic in Murray’s shot given his soft touch and good free throw percentage, he just needs to tighten his mechanics.

Murray has enough other micro skills on offense to survive as an off-ball player. He was a good cutter off of Luka Garza, runs the floor well in transition, and can finish around the rim with his plus length. He likely won’t ever offer much on the ball but should get some reps this season without Garza and Joe Wieskamp on the team. Murray won’t be a stat stuffer on offense, but he offers enough to compliment his excellent defense to project as a worthwhile role player at the next level.