Posted: May 01, 2012
LEVELLAND - Sophomore Tymell Murphy became the sixth and final Texan to announce his destination for the 2012-13 school year, electing to play for new coach Richard Pitino at Florida International University in Miami, Fla. Pitino - the son of current University of Louisville head coach Rick Pitino - has enlisted Murphy as one of his first recruits to try to revive a program that won only eight games a season ago.
A transfer from Mohawk Valley Community College, Murphy started every game for the Texans during their run to the NJCAA Championship that culminated in the first undefeated season for an NJCAA team since 1998. He averaged 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game and head coach Steve Green said it was Murphy's ability to grab rebounds and capture loose balls that really defined his play.
Green recalled a time in the pre-season when Murphy was against a teammate during two-on-two practice saying he knew then that he was going to be a good player.
"I told Tymell that 'if you want to play, everytime the ball is shot you keep going and getting rebounds and putting the ball in the basket we are going to have a hard time keeping you out of the lineup,' and that's what he did all year long."
Murphy made his decision without ever visiting the campus.
"I thought the idea of him (Pitino) just getting there and me just going to be getting there was pretty cool," Murphy said.
The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Brooklyn, N.Y. has enjoyed his time at South Plains and said he plans to keep up with his former teammates by watching the live webcasts.
"I'll be watching. If anybody has a bad game I am going to call them and let them know they had a bad game. If someone has a good game I will call and let them know they had a good game.
"I have some great memories with these guys," Murphy added. "This has been the best year of my life so far because of what I have accomplished as an individual and with a group of guys and coaches like this. This is something I will take to the grave with me."
Green recalled a time in the pre-season when Murphy was against a teammate during two-on-two practice saying he knew then that he was going to be a good player.
"I told Tymell that 'if you want to play, everytime the ball is shot you keep going and getting rebounds and putting the ball in the basket we are going to have a hard time keeping you out of the lineup,' and that's what he did all year long."
Murphy made his decision without ever visiting the campus.
"I thought the idea of him (Pitino) just getting there and me just going to be getting there was pretty cool," Murphy said.
The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Brooklyn, N.Y. has enjoyed his time at South Plains and said he plans to keep up with his former teammates by watching the live webcasts.
"I'll be watching. If anybody has a bad game I am going to call them and let them know they had a bad game. If someone has a good game I will call and let them know they had a good game.
"I have some great memories with these guys," Murphy added. "This has been the best year of my life so far because of what I have accomplished as an individual and with a group of guys and coaches like this. This is something I will take to the grave with me."