Northwestern, Northeastern in lead for three-star Murphy
Tomas Murphy (Northfield, MA/Mount Hermon) is no stranger to the recruiting process. He’s watched two older brothers, Erik and Alex Murphy, go through it before him. Erik Murphy signed with Florida while Alex Murphy went to Duke and then transferred to Florida. The youngest Murphy brother has plenty of options himself now with schools such as Butler, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Northwestern, Northeastern, Rhode Island, Providence and St. Bonaventure recruiting him.
IN HIS OWN WORDS: The three-star power forward discussed what he likes about some of the schools involved with him currently.
Florida: “I was just down there for my brother’s graduation. I’ve been down there before, but I got to see a bunch more this time. I wouldn’t say they are on me that hard. With the new coaching staff, it has been less. My brothers had a great experience, but with the new staff, I’m not sure I’m as interested.”
Georgia: “I think they had a good year last year from what I saw. They have always been tough, especially when you have to play at Georgia. It was always a tough game when my brothers played there. I don’t know too much, but I have seen them play.”
Northwestern: “I know Coach (Chris) Collins from when my brother was at Duke first. He’s really close with our family. Alex was really close with him at Duke and that was one of his biggest mentors. He’s definitely a great guy.”
Butler: “I’ve talked to an assistant and the head coach a few times. I think that’s a place where I fit the style of play. It’s in the Big East. The basketball tradition at the school is great.”
Northeastern: “The school I like the most if I stay close to home is Northeastern because of the program they have with academics. That’s part of the reason I transferred to Northfield. Going there would give me the chance to play early and that’s something I learned from watching my brothers. I have a really good relationship with the head coach.”
WHAT’S NEXT?: Murphy said he’s done taking unofficial visits for the time being. Once the July recruiting periods come to an end and coaches can get back on the road in September, he’ll see which schools get serious with him and go forward with the process from there.
RIVALS’ REACTION: Coming from a basketball family, relationships will play a big role in his decision. Both of his brothers graduated from Florida, but it doesn’t appear the new Gators staff under Mike White is prioritizing him like Billy Donovan’s staff. Prior to playing at Florida, Alex was recruited by Chris Collins, now the head coach at Northwestern. The Wildcats should be considered the team to beat for that reason. Northeastern has made a strong pitch though, so keep an eye on the Huskies as well.