Scouting and Highlights: Deric Murray (2017)
Senior guard/forward Deric Murray is solid all around player. The 6’3″ Aquinas signee helped lead Ann Arbor Pioneer to a 56-42 win over Detroit Edison last Thursday. In this game, Murray did a little bit of everything including scoring, shooting,…
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Continue ReadingSenior guard/forward Deric Murray is solid all around player. The 6’3″ Aquinas signee helped lead Ann Arbor Pioneer to a 56-42 win over Detroit Edison last Thursday. In this game, Murray did a little bit of everything including scoring, shooting, passing, rebounding and defending. His athleticism was really on display in this game as he was finishing through and over people at will, rebounding strong and even protecting the paint via blocks. He finished the game with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Here are my thoughts on Deric’s game:
Strengths:
Versatility – Murray’s ability to play the guard or the forward will help him play well alongside many different types of players. He has great athleticism and plays hard which helps him to be a solid rebounder given the fact he is only 6’3″. Can defend bigger players at a high rate as well.
Athleticism – He’s added weight to prepare for his senior season which will help him tremendously with rebounding and defending. He has good speed and long arms, which make him a threat in any transition opportunity. He has great bounce and can get up with the best of them.
Slashing – In the game against Detroit Edison, he had multiple drives where he weaved through the defense effortlessly. He had several and-ones in the game. He’s gifted physically and has a soft touch around the rim.
Defense/Rebounding – Murray knows how to use his athleticism on the defensive end. Showed that he is a quality defender with potential of becoming a lockdown defender in the near future. Also, he is strong on the glass, coming down with several big rebounds in this game.
Areas For Development:
Playmaking – Murray’s handles are solid but I would like to see him be able to break down defenders off the dribble more frequently. He has the ability, so it is not a matter of skill, rather it seems to be more of a mental block. I believe he can be a star at Aquinas if he realizes his ability to use his length and athleticism in combination with handles to create offense for himself and his teammates.
Shooting off the dribble – As with playmaking, I wouldn’t say this is by any means a weak part of Murray’s game, rather a part that is underutilized. Whether or not the ability is there, more pull-up jumpers from both midrange and beyond the arc would make Murray a complete scorer.