Seeking 1st Big Ten Win, Gophers Need Murphy On The Court
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's past the point of optimism for a competitive season for the Gopher basketball team as they head into Thursday night's game at Northwestern.
Minnesota is still looking for its first Big Ten Conference win, and some hope for the future. That's pretty modest. Mike Max has more on one of the players they just need to keep in the game.
Jordan Murphy has enjoyed some success in this freshman season, but admittedly there is a learning curve to big-time college basketball.
"It's been different. It's hard to really adjust to the pace and the physicality. It's something really different than what I've ever experienced," Murphy said.
The biggest issue for Murphy has not been productivity, but staying on the court. Foul trouble early in games has become synonymous with his game.
Murphy has a strange dilemma for a freshman because he's proved that he can play in the paint in the Big Ten. His problem is being able to stay on the floor, and that's been the most difficult part of the transition.
It's another freshman obstacle in maturation that creates frustration.
"Being smarter is always key. Playing harder is also always key too and out-smarting, just out-playing," Murphy said.
When he's in the game, he shows potential, promise. He's been one of the few bright spots in a dismal season.
"I don't really focus on carrying the team as much as I do just doing whatever coach asks of me," Murphy said. "Really, whatever I need to do or whatever he tells me to do, whether it's set a screen, rebound."
Because in a season of uncertainty, the coach is certain they want him on the floor, a lot.
"We need him to be in the game and need him to play a lot of minutes because he's extremely efficient when he's out there," coach Richard Pitino said.