Iowa Basketball: Freshman Keegan Murray evolving into key contributor

Keegan Murray is slowly earning more minutes each game. The true freshman is becoming a key fixture for the Iowa basketball team.

Everyone knows the 10th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes run through Luka Garza. That isn’t changing anytime soon. But Iowa basketball can’t get where they want to be without some key role players. True freshman Keegan Murray is evolving into exactly that.

Entering the season, coaches and players were ecstatic about the potential Murray posed throughout training camp. But even coach Fran McCaffery may not have known how pivotal Murray may have been this early in the season.

Averaging over 13 minutes a game, Murray has already proven to be a reliable bench player for the Hawkeyes. Though he’s averaging just 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, it’s Murray’s effort and energy that’s stood out most.

On hustle plays and 50/50 balls, Murray has shown the tenacity and willingness needed to earn more minutes. Because of that, he’s earned an extra possession or two for Iowa every game just from his effort (averaging one block, one steal). Not to mention added respect from his teammates for putting his body on the line.

The Hawkeyes, currently with a record of 8-2, are entering one of their toughest stretches of the season. Fresh off a double-digit victory over 19th ranked Northwestern, Iowa faces four ranked teams over their next five games.

You can bet McCaffery will continue to lean on Murray for some solid minutes in each of Iowa’s upcoming games. At the very least, McCaffery knows he can rely on Murray both offensively and defensively for 10-15 minutes if one or a few of Iowa’s key players get into foul trouble.

Every team needs a burst of energy off the bench, especially in comeback situations. Murray has provided that for the Hawkeyes in just 10 games this season, and it’ll be interesting to see how he continues to develop as the season wears on.