Murray State Basketball: 3 reasons why Racers are “back” for 2021-22 season

Quality guard play

McMahon’s team used a tried and true Murray State formula during Tuesday’s win in Normal, Illinois. The Racers have enjoyed great guard play for so long, that ‘all-American guard’ appears in the team’s media guide numerous of times.

Current star Tevin Brown did not disappoint. The 6’5 junior led the Racers with 19 points and was a defensive pest. Brown’s three triples ran his career total to 261. He is 43 long-distance makes from the Murray career mark of 304 set by Canaan. His 1,410 career points are 18th best in program history.

Brown played with Morant during his breakout sophomore season. Last year’s NBA rookie of the year played one season alongside Stark. Murray has had a continual streak of outstanding backcourt play.

Justice ‘Juice’ Hill shined too. The 6’ sophomore scored 17 points and continually broke down the Illinois State defense with dribble-drives into the lane. Hill made seven of 12 shots including three of six from downtown.

Transfer guard Trae Hannibal (South Carolina) was solid too. The 6’2 sophomore added ten points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

While Brown is the leader of the pack, these three are a formidable group. Their varied skills make them difficult to defend and Brown is the Racers’ unquestioned floor leader. He organizes the offense, he sparks the defense and he doesn’t make mistakes.

Each time Illinois State closed the scoring gap during Tuesday’s game, Brown would get a bucket, or set up a teammate. He has tallied a ton of points during his Murray State career, but what he consistently does, is make winning plays.

"“Tevin is so solid,” said McMahon. “He is such a winner and makes everyone better. Tevin plays both ends of the floor.”"

McMahon says his team is ‘blessed at the point guard spot.’ He says Hill and Hannibal are elite athletes.