Murray State Basketball: 3 keys for Round of 64 matchup vs. San Francisco

Let KJ Williams cook

Murray State is at its best when they work inside-out. Williams was their leading scorer and the best big man in an Ohio Valley Conference filled with outstanding centers. Belmont’s Nick Muszynski and Morehead State’s Johni Broome were all-conference players and Williams outplayed them both.

The 6’10 junior averaged 18.2 points and 8.6 rebounds but is more than a ‘back-to-the-basket’ big man. Williams steps outside to hit the mid-range jumper and he can drill the three. His 35 triples make him a long-distance threat and create problems for opposing post players.

While Williams was only third on the Murray roster in free-throw attempts, but he is strong enough (240 pounds) to finish around the rim and makes 70% of his charity stripe attempts.

His offensive threat down low opens up Murray’s dangerous three-point shooters and his ability to draw opposing big men away from the basket opens the lane for the Racers’ slashing perimeter players.

Williams is not the kind of player that gets frustrated when he hasn’t scored, so getting him the ball isn’t about ‘getting him involved, but the Racers are better when he is a focal point of the offense.

The OVC ‘Player of the Year’ is active on the defensive end and is an outstanding athlete. While not a ‘shot-blocker’ per se, he accumulated 48 steals and is very active in ball-screen defense.