One of the top transfers in the country, Trey Murphy had an immediate impact in the ACC for Virginia. As a junior transfer from Rice, Murphy averaged 11.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 0.8 TOPG with shooting splits of 50/43/93. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Trey Murphy III
Height/Weight: 6’9 / 206
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’0 / 8’9 ½
Hand size: 9
Position: Small Forward
College: Virginia
Tools: 3&D
Pros:
- Strong spot-up shooter
- Quick shot thanks to a fast base
- Great frame
- Reliable floater
- Sharp basketball IQ
- Low turnover rate
Cons:
- Needs to get stronger
- Doesn’t force a lot of turnovers or record defensive stats
- Liability as a ball-handler and a potential liability with the ball in his hands if he’s not shooting
- Needs to improve shooting mechanics off the dribble; flat shot off the dribble
Overall:
Trey Murphy projects as a prototypical 3&D small forward that doesn’t do a lot of things, but is efficient in the areas he thrives in. As a shooter, Murphy has somewhat awkward form, but he has found continued success due to excellent all-around footwork, including quick footwork. Almost all of Murphy’s shooting comes off of either spot-up shots or 1 dribble jumpers. He lacks much of a pull-up game, where his mechanics can often go out the window and turn into a flat shot. When Murphy isn’t shooting jumpers offensively, he is likely cutting off-ball. Thanks to his length and IQ, he can make timely and effective cuts to get to the rim. As a ball-handler, Murphy is irrelevant and needs to significantly improve his handle, even if it’s only enough to not get easily stripped.
As a defender, Murphy needs to get stronger to maximize his defensive upside. He should thrive guarding jumpers and perimeter-oriented plays and players, but will struggle early on defending post-ups. Overall, despite limitations, Murphy should offer immediate value to a playoff-caliber team.
Similar to: Dorian Finney-Smith, Jae Crowder
Projected draft range: 17-30
Expected role: 3&D small forward
Unplayable if: Decently improbable that Murphy becomes unplayable, but Murphy’s worst case scenario is that his defense is limited against big men and that his shot can be shut down by tight off-ball defense, particularly in the playoffs.
Exceeds expectations if: Jump shooting off the dribble translates. Almost everything else regarding his shooting should translate, and his defense should safely translate with his measurements.
Shot chart:
