The Official Murray State Basketball Thread

[tclowers23]

I'm currently attending Murray State, and I just thought I'd start a thread to track our basketball team's progress.

Billy Kennedy is currently the head coach here at Murray State. This school seems to be a stepping stone for up-and-coming coaches. Mick Cronin (Cincinnati) and Mark Gotfried (Alabama) are former Murray State coaches.

Kennedy's last two seasons he coached at S.E. Louisiana, he led them to a 44-18 record, two Southland Conference regular season championships, and the school's first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. He then spent one year as an assistant at Miami (Fl.) before taking the head job at Murray.

Our record currently stands at 1-3. After losing three in a row at a tournament in California to average teams, they finally got their first win at home last night. They beat Belhaven 73-72, after trailing by 11 points with about 8 minutes left in the game. Yes, Belhaven is an NAIA program from Jackson, Mississippi with an enrollment of 1,800. Murray State's program may be in trouble this season.

Our best player so far has been junior Bruce Carter, a 6-4, 200 lb SG/SF. He's averaging 15.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 2.5 apg. He's fresh off winning a National Championship at Arkansas-Ft. Smith JC.

The player who needs to step up and play to his ability is senior Shawn Whitherspoon. He's averaging 10.5 ppg, 5 rpg, and 1.3 apg. His problem is that he's still recovering from a broken bone in his foot. He may play hurt all season.

Tyler Halloway, a junior guard, needs to look for his shot more. He's Murray State's J.J. Redick. T-Way is averaging 12 ppg and 2.5 apg so far this season. He's 10-for-20 from 3-pt land so far this season.

We have two promising freshmen in Marvin Williams and Tony Easley. With more playing time, they could contribute more and more as the season progresses.

All-in-all, this isn't your typical Murray State basketball team. They lack the experience and talent they usually have. A 20-win season would be a surprise this year. The only way I expect us to make to the NCAAs is to shock everyone in the conference tourney. Tennessee Tech will be tough to keep out of the NCAAs this year.

[hatvol96]

Certainly not a vintage Racer team. Cronin will be missed more than some think. Kennedy is a real step down.

[tclowers23]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

Certainly not a vintage Racer team. Cronin will be missed more than some think. Kennedy is a real step down.

The fans were already giving Kennedy hell last night when they were losing to Belhaven.

"Is that all you've got, Kennedy!?!"

Some guy screamed that over and over again right behind me. I'm going to give the guy a few years to get his players and system in place.

[tclowers23]

Next game: Saturday 11/19 @ Southern Illinois

[hatvol96]

Originally Posted by tclowers23

The fans were already giving Kennedy hell last night when they were losing to Belhaven.

"Is that all you've got, Kennedy!?!"

Some guy screamed that over and over again right behind me. I'm going to give the guy a few years to get his players and system in place.

I agree with that. My comment is based more on how good a coach I think Mick is than on any lack of skill on Kennedy's part.

[tclowers23]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

I agree with that. My comment is based more on how good a coach I think Mick is than on any lack of skill on Kennedy's part.

Very much agreed. Cronin is already missed by many.

[hatvol96]

Originally Posted by tclowers23

Very much agreed. Cronin is already missed by many.

I'm just curious, how did Mick's interracial marriage play with the Murray State fans?

[tclowers23]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

I'm just curious, how did Mick's interracial marriage play with the Murray State fans?

You know, I never heard anybody say anything about it. However, I've only been in Murray, KY a little over a year.

[hatvol96]

Originally Posted by tclowers23

You know, I never heard anybody say anything about it. However, I've only been in Murray, KY a little over a year.

That's good. I know some Cincinnati boosters had some problems with it.

[tclowers23]

Originally Posted by hatvol96

That's good. I know some Cincinnati boosters had some problems with it.

Huh, although ridiculous, it's not surprising.

[tclowers23]

Murray lost to SIU today. Their record now stands at 1-4.

[hatvol96]

Originally Posted by tclowers23

Murray lost to SIU today. Their record now stands at 1-4.

The Racers certainly are playing many lightweights. The Salukis will probably make the NCAAs again this year.

[tclowers23]

I'll be very surprised if Murray can dominate in the OVC once again this season. The torch will most likely pass to Tennessee Tech.

[tclowers23]

Just an update:

Murray State- 53
Eastern Illinois- 50

Witherspoon- 7 points, 11 rebounds

Murray State- 68
Illinois-Chicago- 74

Witherspoon- 19 points, 9 rebounds

[tclowers23]

Murray State's record is currently 2-5 (1-0). The only team in the OVC with a winning record right now is Eastern Kentucky at 5-1, with their only loss to Ohio State.