Tag: Murray State Racers

KJ Williams to withdraw from 2022 NBA draft, transfer to LSU

Williams will reportedly withdraw from the NBA draft and transfer to LSU for next season.

Former Murray State forward KJ Williams will reportedly withdraw from the 2022 NBA draft and transfer to LSU for next season, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Williams declared for the draft in March after a tremendous season with the Racers, in which he was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. He then opted to enter the transfer portal while also testing the pre-draft process.

He eventually committed to play for former Racers head coach Matt McMahon at LSU, who took the job on March 21. Williams will now suit up for the Tigers next season after withdrawing from the draft.

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Williams is highly touted for his scoring and rebounding ability. He can score in a variety of ways and has a solid 3-point shot, converting on 32.7% of his 3.3 attempts last season. He also has good size at 245 pounds, which figures to translate well to the SEC next season.

The 22-year-old will now have the opportunity to showcase his abilities next season with LSU on a larger platform in the SEC. The addition of Williams figures to be a big piece for the Tigers next season as they attempt to advance to the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Predicting LSU basketball’s starting lineup next season

Here’s how things seem to be shaping up for Matt McMahon’s first season.

[autotag]Matt McMahon[/autotag] has done a fantastic job putting a roster together, and that might be an understatement.

Over the last few months, LSU’s roster has been filled out via the transfer portal, some recruiting and even convincing departing players to come back.

At this point, we have a pretty good idea about what that group will look like next year despite not having an official roster posted yet. That means we can start taking a stab at what the starting lineup will be.

This is harder than it is most years as there are so many variables surrounding these players. With talented freshmen, it’s always tough to predict if they will be ready. With transfers making the jump from a weaker conference, you never know how they will fare against consistently tougher competition. In Adam Miller’s case specifically, we don’t know what he will look like coming back from injury.

There will be plenty of competition to see how the minutes should be divided up. I also expect McMahon to play a lot of these guys as a lot of them are similar in talent and skill. There’s not much pressure on McMahon next year which means he can take some time to develop some guys and try out new things.

Here’s how we see the starting lineup breaking down as things currently stand.

OVC Player of the Year KJ Williams to transfer from Murray State to LSU

Williams on Thursday committed to play for head coach Matt McMahon next season with LSU.

Murray State transfer KJ Williams on Thursday committed to play for head coach Matt McMahon next season with the LSU Tigers, the program announced.

The news was first reported by Joe Tipton of On3.

Williams was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year after averaging a career-high 18 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 34 games. He helped lead the Racers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this year before losing to No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s.

The 6-foot-10 forward announced in March that he would declare for the NBA draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He then entered the transfer portal and opted to reunite with McMahon, who was named head coach of the Tigers on March 21.

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Williams is highly touted for his scoring and rebounding ability. He can score in a variety of ways and has a solid 3-point shot, converting on 32.7% of his 3.3 attempts last season. He also has good size at 245 pounds, which figures to translate well to the SEC next season or the NBA.

The 22-year-old is not currently projected to be drafted and could elect to return to college. He will have the opportunity to meet with teams and gain feedback on his overall skill set and make a decision prior to the June 1 early-entry withdrawal deadline.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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LSU coach Matt McMahon picks up another transfer from Murray State

The Tigers have now added three former Racers players in the transfer portal.

The task set before new LSU coach [autotag]Matt McMahon[/autotag] was a tall one when he arrived on the bayou.

He had to rebuild the Tigers’ roster almost essentially from scratch. While it remains to be seen how the group will actually look on the court, he’s done an incredibly impressive job of that, restocking an empty recruiting class with talented players and adding even more through the transfer portal.

The latest addition for McMahon is [autotag]K.J. Williams[/autotag], a 6-foot-10 power forward from Murray State. Williams told On3 of his decision on Thursday.

“I chose LSU because I have great relationships with the coaches and it’s on a bigger stage where I know I could play,” Williams said. “Me being in the position I’m in, I know I can play in the SEC against top players in the country.”

Williams was a four-year contributor for the Racers. The Mississippi native became a full-time starter two years ago, starting every game he’s appeared in since. He averaged a career-high 18 points this past season with 8.4 rebounds, and he’s averaged in double figures scoring each of the last three seasons.

LSU has now added three players from Murray State via the transfer portal, as Williams joins [autotag]Justice Hill[/autotag] and [autotag]Trae Hannibal[/autotag]. He’ll be a fifth-year senior during his final year of eligibility in 2022-23, and he should provide a veteran impact for the Tigers’ frontcourt next season.

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Murray State forward KJ Williams to test NBA pre-draft process

Williams was named the OVC Player of the Year after averaging a career-high 18 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 34 games.

Murray State forward KJ Williams this week announced that he will declare for the 2022 NBA draft without signing with an agent to maintain his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Williams was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year after averaging a career-high 18 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 34 games. He helped lead the Racers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this year before losing to No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s.

The 6-foot-10 standout is listed as a junior, despite playing four years with the program, and could return to school for one more season. The NCAA granted student-athletes an additional year of eligibility last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Williams is highly touted for his scoring and rebounding ability. He can score in a variety of ways and has a solid 3-point shot, converting on 32.7% of his 3.3 attempts last season. He also has good size that figures to translate well to the next level at 245 pounds.

The 22-year-old is not currently projected to be drafted but could have the opportunity to participate in the draft combine or NBA G League Elite Camp in May and improve his stock. He will also have the opportunity to take part in private workouts with teams.

The early-entry withdrawal deadline for underclassmen is June 1.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Social media reacts to LSU’s hiring of Matt McMahon as new men’s basketball coach

Fans were excited about LSU landing McMahon from Murray State.

LSU has hired a new leader for the men’s basketball program, and his name is Matt McMahon.

McMahon has been the coach of the Murray State Racers for the past seven years, racking up a 154-67 record and winning the Ohio Valley Conference three times. The Racers made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament with him at the helm, including this year, when No. 7-seeded Murray State beat No. 10-seeded San Francisco in Round 1 before losing to No. 15 seed Cinderella Saint Peter’s.

If you are wondering, yes, McMahon was also the coach that recruited the uber-talented Ja Morant to the Racers back in 2018. Coming off of his best year ever with a 31-3 record, I am excited to see how McMahon will try to right the ship in the bayou.

Tigers fans (and college basketball fans, in general) seem to be excited, as well. Here were some of the reactions on social media.

BREAKING: LSU hires Matt McMahon as next men’s basketball coach

McMahon led the Murray State to a 31-3 finish and second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament this year.

Just three days after LSU’s season came to an end in the NCAA Tournament, the program has a new basketball coach.

According to multiple reports, the school has agreed to terms to make Murray State’s Matt McMahon the next head coach for the men’s basketball team. McMahon has been the head coach for the Racers since 2015 and has a 154-67 record.

Over the last 24 hours, the search quickly centered around McMahon. Several reports indicated that he was among the finalists, alongside North Texas’ Grant McCasland. McMahon’s 2021-22 team finished with a 31-3 record, his best with the program. It bowed out of the NCAA Tournament in the second round against No. 15-seeded Saint Peter’s after taking down San Francisco in the opening round.

This is a hire that makes a ton of sense for the Tigers. McMahon is young at just 43, and he’s an innovative offensive mind who has proven he can develop NBA talent in the mid-majors, namely Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant. His ceiling at a program with LSU’s resources is certainly significantly higher.

In his seven seasons with Murray State, he took the team to three NCAA Tournaments — it likely would have been four if the 2020 tournament hadn’t been canceled — though he never made it beyond the first weekend.

LSU reportedly also looked into Virginia coach Tony Bennett (who denied interest) and San Francisco’s Todd Golden (who was ultimately hired by Florida).

McMahon was an assistant with the Racers from 2011-15 before taking over as head coach. He also served as an assistant at UNC Wilmington (2010-11), Appalachian State (1999-00 as a student assistant, 2002-10 as a full-time assistant) and Tennessee (2000-02).

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Report: Murray State’s Matt McMahon in the mix for LSU job

McMahon led the Racers to a 31-3 season in 2021-22.

LSU is less than 48 hours removed from the end of its 2021-22 season at the hands of the Iowa State Cyclones in what was a No. 6 vs. No. 11 seed upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night.

But the search to replace Will Wade, who was fired on March 13, is more than a week old. And it seems that LSU athletics director Scott Woodward could be narrowing the list of potential candidates.

According to Stadium’s Jeff Goodman, Murray State coach Matt McMahon is in the mix for the opening in Baton Rouge. Per Goodman, the Tigers also looked at San Francisco’s Todd Golden before he was named the head coach at Florida on Friday.

McMahon, 43, is considered one of the rising stars in the sport. He’s been at Murray State since 2015 and touts a 154-67 record. He’s perhaps best known for developing Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant.

His Racers made the 2022 NCAA Tournament as a No. 7-seed but were eliminated in the second round by No. 15-seed Cinderella Saint Peter’s after beating Golden’s Dons in overtime in the first round. This was his best season with Murray State, finishing 31-3 with an 18-0 record in the Ohio Valley Conference.

McMahon has made the NCAA Tournament three times and would likely have a fourth if the 2020 event was not canceled due to COVID-19. He has never advanced beyond the round of 32, however.

He may not be the most proven candidate the Tigers could target, but he has a great track record of mid-major success and runs an exciting brand of offense that would certainly appeal to the LSU faithful.

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Saint Peter’s vs Murray State NCAA Tournament Second Round odds, tips and betting trends

The No. 7 seed Murray State Racers (31-2) are 8.5-point favorites to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament when they face the No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s Peacocks (20-11) on Saturday at 7:45 PM on CBS. Murray State has compiled a 17-12-1 …

The No. 7 seed Murray State Racers (31-2) are 8.5-point favorites to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament when they face the No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s Peacocks (20-11) on Saturday at 7:45 PM on CBS.

Murray State has compiled a 17-12-1 record against the spread this season, while Saint Peter’s is 9-4-0. A total of 13 out of the Racers’ 31 games this season have hit the over, and six of the Peacocks’ 13 games have gone over. The teams average 147.2 points per game, 17.7 more points than this matchup’s total. Murray State is 4-5-1 against the spread and 10-0 overall over its past 10 contests, while Saint Peter’s has gone 7-3-0 against the spread and 5-5 overall.

Here’s everything you need to get ready for Saturday’s college basketball action.

Saint Peter’s at Murray State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.

  • Spread: Murray State -8.5
  • Total: 129.5
  • Moneyline: Murray State -400, Saint Peter’s +290

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Saint Peter’s at Murray State odds, spread, & more

Prediction

Murray State 73, Saint Peter’s 62

Moneyline

  • The Racers have won 26 of the 27 games they were favored on the moneyline this season (96.3%).
  • Murray State has played in 18 games as a moneyline favorite with odds of -400 or shorter and won them all.
  • The Racers have an 80.0% chance to win this contest based on the moneyline’s implied probability.
  • The Peacocks have won two of the six games they’ve played as underdogs this season.
  • Saint Peter’s has a record of 1-3 when set as an underdog of +290 or more by bookmakers this season.
  • Sportsbooks have implied with the moneyline set for this matchup that the Peacocks have a 25.6% chance to win.

Against the spread

  • The 79.7 points per game the Racers record are 17.4 more points than the Peacocks allow (62.3).
  • When Murray State puts up more than 62.3 points, it is 15-7-1 against the spread and 26-0 overall.
  • Saint Peter’s has a 7-2 record against the spread and a 16-7 record overall when allowing fewer than 79.7 points.
  • The Peacocks score just 4.5 more points per game (67.5) than the Racers give up (63).
  • When it scores more than 63 points, Saint Peter’s is 5-2 against the spread and 13-4 overall.
  • Murray State has an ATS record of 13-5-1 and a 20-1 record overall when its opponents score fewer than 67.5 points.
  • The Racers have totaled 550 more points than their opponents this season (16.7 per game on average), and the Peacocks have scored 159 more points than their opponents (5.2 per game).

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Over/Under

  • The Racers’ average implied point total this season is 7.4 more points than their implied total in Saturday’s game (76.4 implied points on average compared to 69 implied points in this game).
  • So far this season, Murray State has put up more than 69 points in 25 games.
  • The average implied point total on the season for the Peacocks (69.4) is equal to the team’s implied total in this matchup.
  • This season, Saint Peter’s has outscored its implied point total for this matchup (61) 10 times.

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How to watch Murray State vs. Saint Peter’s

  • Game Day: Saturday, March 19, 2022
  • Game Time: 7:45 PM ET
  • Live Stream: Hulu

Find out how to watch March Madness live on Hulu!

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San Francisco vs Murray State NCAA Tournament First Round odds, tips and betting trends

A first-round NCAA Tournament matchup will see the 10th-seeded San Francisco Dons (24-9) hit the court as 1.5-point underdogs against the No. 7 seed Murray State Racers (30-2) on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The contest tips off at 9:40 PM on …

A first-round NCAA Tournament matchup will see the 10th-seeded San Francisco Dons (24-9) hit the court as 1.5-point underdogs against the No. 7 seed Murray State Racers (30-2) on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The contest tips off at 9:40 PM on CBS. Here’s what you need to know when filling out your brackets for this 7-10 matchup.

Murray State has a 16-12-1 record against the spread so far this season compared to San Francisco, who is 15-18-0 ATS. The Racers have gone over the point total in 12 games, while Dons games have gone over 16 times. The teams combine to score 156.4 points per game, 18.9 more points than this matchup’s total. Murray State is 3-6-1 against the spread and 10-0 overall in its last 10 contests, while San Francisco has gone 7-3-0 against the spread and 6-4 overall.

Get ready for this matchup with everything you need to know about Thursday’s college basketball action.

San Francisco at Murray State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.

  • Spread: Murray State -1.5
  • Total: 137.5
  • Moneyline: Murray State -138, San Francisco +116

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San Francisco at Murray State odds, spread, & more

Prediction

San Francisco 71, Murray State 70

Moneyline

  • The Racers have won 25 of the 26 games they were favored on the moneyline this season (96.2%).
  • When it has played as a moneyline favorite with odds of -138 or shorter, Murray State has a 25-1 record (winning 96.2% of its games).
  • Based on this matchup’s moneyline, the Racers have an implied win probability of 58.0%.
  • The Dons have been underdogs in seven games this season and won one (14.3%) of those contests.
  • San Francisco has a record of 1-6 when set as an underdog of +116 or more by oddsmakers this season.
  • The oddsmakers’ moneyline implies a 46.3% chance of a victory for the Dons.

Against the spread

  • The 79.3 points per game the Racers average are 12.3 more points than the Dons give up (67).
  • Murray State has a 14-6-1 record against the spread and a 24-0 record overall when scoring more than 67 points.
  • San Francisco is 12-16 against the spread and 22-7 overall when giving up fewer than 79.3 points.
  • The Dons’ 77.1 points per game are 14.8 more points than the 62.3 the Racers give up.
  • When it scores more than 62.3 points, San Francisco is 11-17 against the spread and 23-6 overall.
  • Murray State’s record is 15-9-1 against the spread and 26-2 overall when it gives up fewer than 77.1 points.
  • The Racers have totaled 545 more points than their opponents this season (17 per game on average), and the Dons have scored 331 more points than their opponents (10.1 per game).

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Over/Under

  • The Racers have an average implied point total of 76.6 this season, which is 6.6 points higher than their implied total in Thursday’s game (70).
  • This season, Murray State has scored more than 70 points 24 times.
  • The average implied point total on the season for the Dons (76.6) is the same as the team’s implied total in this matchup.
  • This year, San Francisco has outscored its implied point total for this matchup (68) 26 times.

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How to watch Murray State vs. San Francisco

  • Game Day: Thursday, March 17, 2022
  • Game Time: 9:40 PM ET
  • TV Channel: CBS

Find out how to watch for free with fuboTV.

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