Trey Murphy III is an interesting wing prospect who has shot up the draft in recent weeks thanks to his elite catch and shoot ability. Blessed with nice size at 6’9 and a 7’0 WINGSPAN, the 21-year-old averaged 11 points and 3.4 rebounds 50 percent shooting, 43 percent from three, and 92 percent from the line.
2021 NBA Draft Profile: Virginia Forward Trey Murphy III
Murphy was in the college system for three seasons, spending two years at Rice before transferring to Virginia last year. He took some time to establish himself at Rice, spending the entire season coming off the bench in his freshman season. However, during that year, Murphy broke the three-point percentage record for a freshman, converting on 42.1 percent of his triples. The following year, he would start 29 games and lead the team in scoring at 13.7 points per game.
At Virginia, he started all but six games in a COVID-19 shortened season. He was primarily used as a spot-up shooter and had a wonderful year averaging 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds on 50 percent shooting and 43.3 percent from three. His season came to an abrupt end when Virginia was hit with a COVID-19 breakout, forfeiting their ACC semi-final against Georgia Tech.
He elected to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the draft.
Strengths
Shooting
Murphy has one of the smoothest three-point strokes in this class and burned the nets at a 43.3 percent clip last year. While he was used primarily as a corner specialist, Murphy has potential as a deep three-point threat thanks to his effortless mechanics, incredible balance, and consistency.
He possesses a unique shooting stroke and releases the ball from the right side of his face. Lonzo Ball entered the NBA with a similar (but more prominent) hitch and remade his shot. However, one of the key differences is Murphy’s catch and release position. He catches the ball high allowing him to quickly release before defenders contest his shot. Murphy is extremely consistent with his shooting form and regularly hits jumpers in defender’s faces.
Despite being the primary spacer and under heavy defensive pressure, Murphy found his spots to punish teams from the perimeter. He finished the season with a 67 percent true shooting and a 63.9 effective field goal percentage.
Defense
Murphy also showed some defensive chops, utilizing his quick feet and length to keep opponents in front of him. He used his long 7’0 wingspan and active hands to make plays on the ball. He is very patient, decisive, and disciplined rarely biting on pump fakes allowing him to contest shots without fouling.
Off the ball, Murphy showed a great understanding of weakside help. In emergency situations, he rotated correctly on numerous occasions and used his length to swallow up space. Murphy isn’t a ball hawk by any stretch but he understands how to use angles to cover ground.
Weaknesses
Play Making and Self Creation
NBA Draft Projection: 18-25
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