Iowa’s Kris Murray declares for 2023 NBA draft
After a breakout season, Kris Murray announced a jump that was expected. The 6-foot-8, 220 pound forward from Cedar Rapids officially announced his intentions to enter the 2023 NBA draft.
“First off, I want to thank coach McCaffery, the coaching staff, my teammates, and Hawkeye Nation for an incredible three years. Growing up in Cedar Rapids and getting to wear the black and gold has allowed me to live out my dream and accomplish so much on the basketball floor.
“I appreciate everyone who has supported me through this journey and who will continue to support me as I chase my highest goals! Now, it’s time for the next chapter in my basketball journey. With that being said, I will be entering my name into the 2023 NBA draft!” Murray wrote in his announcement on Twitter.
— Kris Murray (@KrisMurray24) April 7, 2023
Murray saw his averages balloon from 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game last season to 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game this season. He shot 47.6% from the floor, including 33.5% from 3-point range.
Murray surpassed the 30-point plateau on four occasions during the 2022-23 Iowa hoops season and eclipsed 25 points nine times. He recorded six double-doubles, including an incredible 30-20 game against Georgia Tech on Nov. 29, 2022.
Murray was the guiding force behind Iowa registering its fourth straight NCAA Tournament berth. The Hawkeyes are one of just 10 programs nationally that can boast that fact.
For his standout season, Murray was honored as a consensus All-American. With that distinction for Murray, Iowa has now had a consensus All-American in five of the past eight seasons and in each of the last four. Murray joins Jarrod Uthoff, Luka Garza, and Keegan Murray as Hawkeyes that have earned consensus All-American status in the past eight seasons.
After exploring the NBA draft waters last offseason, Murray seems poised to be a surefire first-round pick in this year’s go-around. His decision to return has paid off with his NBA draft stock spiking.
More Basketball!
Iowa reportedly set to take part in 2023 Gulf Coast Showcase
Kris Murray's consensus All-American status caps fantastic breakout season
Caitlin Clark, Monika Czinano share final breakdown of NCAA Tournament run
'I am so thankful': Lisa Bluder breaks down NCAA tourney run, national championship loss to LSU
Hawkeye fans' incredible support on display during national championship game
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF
