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Murray is entering the NBA draft.
Murray said he was grateful that McCaffery gave him the chance to live out his dream. You believed in me when few did, and you are a big part of why I am in this position today.
Keegan Murray @keegan3murray🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/lb5pAqjUMA
The Bleacher Report projected Murray to go to the Pacers.
Fran McCaffery heaped praise on Murray.
"We are excited for Keegan as he begins his professional journey. He has earned the right to be a lottery pick. Keegan is incredibly professional and even keeled with everything he does. Not only did Keegan accomplish things no other Hawkeye underclassman has ever done, but he also represented our program at the highest level. We fully support Keegan and will assist him every way we can throughout the draft process."
In his sophomore year, the 6&8 forward took a big jump forward. He was a reserve for the Hawkeyes in 2020-21 and averaged 23.5 points and 8.7 rebound, leading the team in both categories. He shot 55.4 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the line.
Murray only came in at 43rd on the big board, but by March he was in between fifth and seventh.
"Murray doesn't possess the same shiftiness or face-up game as Grant, but he similarly uses a combination of shot-making versatility and physical tools. Murray is currently more functional finding ways to score off the ball, like Grant was out of Syracuse. But the Iowa star is gradually flashing more self-creation."
It was expected that Tuesday's announcement would be related to how much Murray's stock has risen.
His departure is a big blow to Iowa, which is also saying goodbye to Jordan Bohannon after he exhausted his NCAA eligibility.
There is not a lot of talent on its way to Iowa City. McCaffery has two members in the incoming class, point guard Dasonte Bowen and shooting guard Josh Dix.
McCaffery may not be a fan of the current transfer rules of the NCAA, but dipping into the portal might be a necessity in order to get Iowa back to the NCAA tournament.
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