Trey Murphy shines in NBA Summer League debut

Former Virginia basketball star Trey Murphy made a splashy debut in the NBA Summer League, scoring 26 points and coming up one rebound shy of a double-double in New Orleans’ game against Chicago. Murphy was drafted No. 17 in the NBA Draft last month, becoming the ninth player to hear his name called from Tony Bennett’s Virginia program.

At 6’9, 206 pounds, Murphy brings incredible athleticism to the Pelicans. But that’s not it. Murphy shot 6-for-9 from three in Monday afternoon’s game, and he went 9-for-15 from the field for the game. He had nine rebounds and two assists to complement his game-high scoring.

Murphy scored in multiple ways, getting open in the corners, finishing lobs, and creating space from deep.

Partway through the third quarter, teammate Anžejs Pasečņiks found Murphy just outside the lane. Without even needing a dribble, Murphy drove the lane and took it up for a vicious dunk over Marko Simonović of the Bulls.

After the game, Murphy was interviewed for ESPN. In true Virginia fashion, Murphy gave defense most of the credit. “Hitting shots is a great thing, but your defense is gonna come every single night,” Murphy stated.

It’s just one game, but Murphy is showing everyone exactly why his name was called so early in the draft.

You can see other Virginia favorites in action later tonight with London Perrantes (Minnesota) at 7pm on ESPNU, Kyle Guy (Golden State) at 8pm on ESPN, and Mamadi Diakite (Milwaukee) at 9pm on ESPNU.

Sam Hauser made his debut on Sunday, scoring five points in a Celtics win. Braxton Key and the Philadelphia 76ers won their opener Monday, and Jay Huff and the Wizards will take the court Tuesday at 10pm on ESPN3.