Tyler Murray: Rock Steady
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Toronto,ON–After asking Wagner’s 6’5 SG Tyler Murray about the main factor for his emergence as an impact player in 2010-2011, he responds with an excited “Coach Hurley!”
“He is a great coach and demands the best out of you every time you’re on the court.”
Dan Hurley Jr, former Head coach of Prep high school powerhouse, St. Benedict’s and son of prominent Hall of famer Dan Hurley Sr. is no stranger to Canadian personnel.
Hurley coached future and current Texas Longhorns, Myck Kabongo and Tristan Thompson at St. Benedict’s. At present, he looks to help mould Murray into a true leader and scoring machine.
“He lets you play your game,” said Murray.
“Coach also tells me to be a scorer in our offense, that’s the mindset he wants me to play with…I want to be a leader; I think it helps everyone on the court when you know you have a leader.”
So far, so good. Tyler Murray enters 2011 as the second-highest scoring Canadian in the NCAA behind Andrew Nicholson (22PPG) and leads Wagner at 17 PPG. He also leads his team in rebounds and assists posting 5.3 RPG, 3.4APG respectively, while shooting a sizzling 47% from deep.
In comparison to the 2009-2010 campaign, both Murray and the Seahawks have prospered– with their win on December 30 over Albany equalling last year’s entire season of five victories.
As for individual progression, the former Eastern Commerce HS star saw all statistical categories increase with the most palpable being his scoring, which has doubled.
“This year is going well,” said Murray ecstatically.
“I really didn’t know what to expect coming into this season but I knew that all the work that we put in over the off-season would eventually pay off.”
While the Seahawks own a pedestrian 5-7 overall record, they remain in the hunt for Northeast respect.
“We’re looking forward to conference play,” stated Murray.
Any March Madness aspirations will be put on hold as Wagner’s only appearance in school history came in 2003.
Before thinking about the big dance, the boys at Wagner have their minds set on the Northeast Conference.
“Well, the main goal coming into the season was to make it to our conference tournament because we know that if we put ourselves in that position, anything is possible in March.”
(Photo Courtesy: Wagner Athletics)
