Murray State basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Racers

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Head coach Matt McMahon of the Murray State Racers reacts against the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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KJ Williams (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Veterans and Newcomers, but no freshmen

Murray’s additional transfer talent means McMahon has four players on his bench that spent considerable time in last year’s starting lineup. Two other transfer players give McMahon six players with significant experience and productivity among his reserves.

Justice Hill could easily start for several OVC teams and could end up starting for Murray State basketball. The 6’ guard averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 assists per game last year. He started ten times last year. McMahon says Hill had great summer workouts.

6’1 guard DaQuan Smith started eight-game and averaged 4.5 points last year. During his senior season at Holly Springs High School (Mississippi), he had nine, 30-point games. Dionte Bostick started 16 games last year, averaging 4.9 points per game. McMahon attempted a large number of starting lineups last season.

Nicholas McMullen and Bostick are listed as freshmen because of the NCAA’s extra eligibility ruling, but McMullen also started games last season (three) and the 6’8 forward averaged 1.6 points per game.

Transfer D.J. Burns arrives from Southern University where he averaged 9.3 points and five rebounds. The 6’7 forward will provide depth and experience upfront.

One of McMahon’s most intriguing recruits is Olney Central transfer Elijah Farr. The 6’8 sophomore averaged 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds for the community college. As a football all-stater at Lee’s Summit North High School (Kansas City), he is an elite and nimble athlete. While clearly a frontcourt player, Farr is also a legitimate outside threat.