Busting Brackets
Fansided

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

By Harry Schroeder

Murray State’s Tevin Brown (10) takes three-point shot as the Murray State Racers play the Austin Peay Governors during their semifinal game of the Ohio Valley Conference championships at Ford Center Friday evening, March 6, 2020.Ovc Austinpeayvsmurray 08
Murray State’s Tevin Brown (10) takes three-point shot as the Murray State Racers play the Austin Peay Governors during their semifinal game of the Ohio Valley Conference championships at Ford Center Friday evening, March 6, 2020.Ovc Austinpeayvsmurray 08 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Murray State’s KJ Williams (23) (now wears the number zero) takes a three-point shot . Ovc Championship 01
Murray State’s KJ Williams (23) (now wears the number zero) takes a three-point shot . Ovc Championship 01 /

K.J. Williams is a post presence

K.J. Williams was the Ohio Valley Conference’s week one, player of the week. The 6’10, 245 pound center scored 32 points in the team’s opening game win. Tuesday was a tough shooting night for the junior (5 of 19) but was a force down low. Illinois State often doubled Williams who can also step outside the arc and make the occasional three-pointer.

Williams was an all-conference performer last year and while Murray is always known for its guards, McMahon and previous coaches have been wise enough to create balance with one or more big men.

During the 2018-19 season, it was Darnell Cowart and Williams sharing the load and combining for 18 points and eleven rebounds per game. The next season Williams and Anthony Smith amassed 22 points and 15 rebounds per game.

Desmond Robinson was Williams’ side-kick last season.

"“K.J.’s ability to score inside and out helps us,” said McMahon. “How about Nick McMullen? He was huge for us. DJ Burns and Skipper-Brown made big plays to help us win.”"

While there isn’t that obvious, second center on this year’s roster, 6’8 freshman Nicholas McMullen contributed six points and five rebounds in just ten minutes of action. McMahon likes his interior depth, which includes transfers D.J. Burns and Jordan Skipper-Brown.