After exploring the 2022 NBA draft process, Iowa forward Kris Murray made the decision to return to Iowa City. It’s huge news for the Hawkeyes entering the 2022-23 men’s college basketball season.
Now, with Murray officially back in the fold, Iowa appears well positioned to contend in the Big Ten once more and to be right back in the mix for a 2023 NCAA Tournament berth.
The 6-foot-8, 225 pound junior from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was the Hawkeyes’ leading scorer and rebounder off the bench last season. Murray averaged 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.7% from 3-point range.
At the Hawkeyes’ recent basketball camp, Murray met with reporters for the first time since making his decision to withdraw from the 2022 NBA draft and return to Iowa. His comments ranged from his experience going through the process, why he is back in Iowa City, what his expectations are for the 2022-23 season and more.
Let’s take a look at everything Murray had to say with reporters below.
Thoughts on the 2022 NBA draft process
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kris Murray met with the Iowa media this past week at Iowa’s basketball camp and KGAN and Hawk Central shared a portion of his comments to reporters. Naturally, one of the first topics of conversation was what Murray felt he got out of exploring the 2022 NBA draft process.
“It was pretty difficult. It was definitely kind of a last-minute decision. I took it up until the end and there was a lot of things to consider, especially kind of in my situation. I enjoyed the process, but it was probably one of the biggest decisions I’ve made in my life so far, but I’m happy with the decision I chose,” Murray said.
Looking for the first-round guarantee
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ultimately, Murray simply didn’t get the feedback he needed to hear in order to remain in the 2022 NBA draft.
“Mostly just a first-round guarantee. If I was going in the second round, I knew I wanted to come back just because I love this place so much and I knew another year here would help my game a lot and I’d enjoy it,” Murray said.
Still, it was a valuable experience for Murray that will no doubt pay dividends this time next year when he’ll be hoping to hear his name called early in the 2023 NBA draft.
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