Iowa forward Kris Murray might have surprised some Hawkeye fans when he announced on April 14 that he had submitted papers for early entry into the 2022 NBA draft.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play the game I love every day and to wear the Black and Gold. I will be taking this opportunity to enter my name into the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility. My focus is being able to grow as a player in every way possible.
“The opportunity to get feedback and the experience working out for NBA teams will help me become the best player I can possibly be and take my game to the next level. I have big plans for next year and this experience will help me do that. I appreciate everyone’s support,” Murray said at the time.
The 6-foot-8, 225 pound forward didn’t sign with an agent, retaining his NCAA eligibility if he chooses to withdraw his name on or before June 1. Now, it appears like he may be one step closer to returning to Iowa City.
According to Hawk Central’s Kennington Lloyd Smith, Murray declined his invitation to the 2022 NBA draft combine set for May 18-20 from Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.
While that certainly appears to be good news in terms of a Murray return to Iowa City, his father, Kenyon Murray, said Kris’ decision-making process on whether or not to return to Iowa is still ongoing.
In an interview with Hawk Central on Wednesday morning, Kenyon Murray said Kris is “still in the draft process” and his decision to remain in the draft or return to Iowa will likely run its full course until the June 1 deadline.
Several NBA teams have expressed interest to Kris and there’s the possibility for invitations for individual workouts. Therefore, he’s not shutting the door on those opportunities and the chance to pique a team’s interest in a private session. – Lloyd Smith, Hawk Central.
Kenyon Murray also joined hosts Pat Harty and Tom Suter of HawkFanatic on KCJJ radio to further discuss Kris’ situation and decision-making process.
“He just wants all of the information that he can get. I think the day in, day out workouts against that kind of level of competition has really, really helped him. His confidence is sky high and I think he’s in a good situation either way,” Kenyon Murray said to KCJJ radio.
It makes sense that Kris wants to gather all of the information that he can before he makes a final decision. Kenyon said there’s a good chance Kris’ final decision doesn’t come until close to the June 1 deadline.
“I think in the end it comes down to where Kris is comfortable. Does he want to come back and become a potential All-Big Ten, All-American and playing alongside the guys coming back and possibly win another Big Ten title or does he like what he hears from an NBA team? It’s probably going up to the deadline of June 1,” Kenyon Murray said to KCJJ radio.
Listening to his father, Kris’ game has only gotten better since the 2021-22 men’s college basketball season’s end. With that in mind, the sky is the limit for what Kris could accomplish in Iowa City next season if he so chooses.
Kenyon Murray discussed what the next evolution in Kris’ game would look like if he’s back in Iowa City.
“You’re going to get a kid that can definitely score at all three levels. You know, obviously, he’s got to finish better in the paint. That’s one of the things we talked about throughout the year, but he’s not going to be the same player as Keegan (Murray). You know, Keegan can post up and those kind of things.
“Not saying Kris can’t, but he has always been kind of a face the basket, you know, get to his spots, create for other people, so I think you’re going to see someone who can definitely play from the post but I think he’s going to be deadlier from the perimeter. Whether it’s with his passing, his dribble penetration. He’ll cut without the ball like Keegan did and obviously shoot the jump shot. I think you’re going to see just a more well-rounded version of Kris being able to score at all three levels,” Kenyon Murray said on KCJJ radio.
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