The Murray State Racers men’s basketball program is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA. Representing Murray State University, the Racers have a long history of success, having competed in the Ohio Valley Conference for 74 seasons and now joining the Missouri Valley Conference in 2022.
The Racers have built a strong reputation for their competitive play, having advanced to the NCAA tournament four times and to the NIT three times. With the team’s home games at the CFSB Center, Murray State Racers basketball has become a staple of the Murray State community.
As the Racers enter a new chapter in their history, they look forward to continuing their success with the same passion and commitment that has earned them so much respect.
1. Joe Fulks
Forward
Career
- High school: Kuttawa (Kuttawa, Kentucky)
- College: Murray State (1941–1943)
- Playing career: 1946–1954
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 10
- 1946–1954: Philadelphia Warriors
- BAA champion (1947), 2× NBA All-Star (1951, 1952), 3× All-BAA First Team (1947–1949), All-NBA Second Team (1951), BAA scoring champion (1947), NBA 25th Anniversary Team, No. 26 retired by Murray State Racers
- Points: 8,003 (16.4 ppg)
- Rebounds: 1,379 (5.3 rpg)
- Assists: 587 (1.2 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
Joe Fulks was born in 1921 in Birmingham, Kentucky. He attended high school at Kuttawa (Kuttawa, Kentucky) and then went on to Murray State University where he played basketball for three seasons from 1941-1943.
Fulks was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1946 and spent nine seasons with the team playing power forward. His career highlights include being named an All-Star twice (1950–51 & 1952–53), winning a championship in 1951, averaging 14 points per game over his career and being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
Joe Fulks died on March 21, 1976 after suffering a heart attack aged 54 years old Joe Fulks was a three-time All-BAA First Team selection and scoring champion for the Murray State Racers.
Fulks went on to play in the NBA for six seasons, averaging 16.4 points per game while playing with the Minneapolis Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics. He is currently ranked 26th all-time in points scored by an NBA player and sixth all-time in rebounds.
Also Played For: golden state warriors
2. Ja Morant
Point guard
Career
- High school: Crestwood (Sumter, South Carolina)
- College: Murray State (2017–2019)
- NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
- Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies
- Playing career: 2019–present
- 2019–present: Memphis Grizzlies
- NBA All-Star (2022), All-NBA Second Team (2022), NBA Most Improved Player (2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2020), Consensus first-team All-American (2019), NCAA season assists leader (2019), Lute Olson Award (2019), Bob Cousy Award (2019), OVC Player of the Year (2019), 2× First-team All-OVC (2018, 2019), OVC tournament MVP (2019), OVC All-Newcomer Team (2018), No. 12 retired by Murray State Racers
Ja Morant was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Ja Morant is a point guard who played college basketball at Murray State.
He has led his team to two straight playoff appearances and is averaging 19 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game this season.
Ja Morant is one of only six players under age 24 to average at least 20 points, five assists, and three rebounds in an NBA season so far (the others are Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, DeAndre Ayton, Kristaps Porzingis, and LeBron James).
Ja Morant is a dynamic player who has quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the NBA. Morant was named to an All-NBA Second Team and Rookie of the Year in his first season, proving he's capable of big performances on both ends of the floor.
He led NCAA players with 19 assists and averaged 20 points per game for Murray State this year, helping them win their second OVC Championship title in three years.
Morant will need to continue to develop his shooting if he wants to make it into the upper echelons of basketball, but his overall skills are already very impressive.
With plenty of potential left untapped, there's no doubt that Ja Morant is destined for great things in the near future - watch out, other NBA teams.
Also Played For: memphis grizzlies, fantasy basketball
3. Cameron Plain
Career
- 2015–2017: Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2015–2017:Oklahoma City Blue
- 2017–2019: Chicago Bulls
- 2017–2018:Windy City Bulls
- 2019: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2019–2020: Shanxi Loongs
- 2020: Texas Legends
- 2020–present: Phoenix Suns
Cameron Payne is a professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. He was drafted 14th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2015 NBA draft and has played with them since then.
Payne has a strong shooting ability, averaging over 36% from three point range throughout his career so far. In 2017, he led Oklahoma City to their first ever playoff appearance, where they were defeated 4–1 by Golden State Warriors in the second round.
Outside of playing basketball, Cameron Payne also owns an apparel company called "The Koozie" which provides comfortable clothing for athletes during games and workouts alike Cameron Plain is a 6-foot-10 power forward from Oklahoma City, and he was one of the top recruits in the Class of 2015.
He played for two seasons at Oklahoma City before transferring to Blue in 2017. In his lone season with Blue, Plain averaged 17 points and 9 rebounds per game while helping them make it to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 16 seed.
After playing just one season at Illinois State, Plain signed with Cleveland on July 11th 2019 and will join their summer league team this upcoming offseason.
Also Played For: a.f.c. bournemouth, phoenix suns
4. DJ Burns
Career
- High school: York Prep Academy, (Rock Hill, South Carolina)
- College: , Winthrop (2019–2022), NC State (2022–present)
- Big South Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-Big South (2022), Big South Freshman of the Year (2020)
Burns is a versatile power forward/center for NC State and was a preseason All-ACC selection. Burns averaged 17.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
Burns has represented the United States at the World University Games and the U17 World Championships. Burns is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Burns is a student at NC State.
Burns is a three-time Big South Player of the Year and First-team All-Big South selection. Burns is a high school basketball standout who helped lead York Prep Academy to a Big South Championship in 2020.
Burns is committed to NC State and is expected to play in the ACC next season.
Also Played For: atlantic coast conference
5. Isaiah Canaan
Murray State Racers men's basketball
Career
- High school: Biloxi (Biloxi, Mississippi)
- College: Murray State (2009–2013)
- NBA draft 2013 / Round: 2 / Pick: 34th overall
- Selected by the Houston Rockets
- Playing career: 2013–present
- 2013–2015: Houston Rockets
- 2013–2015: → Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- 2015–2016: Philadelphia 76ers
- 2016–2017: Chicago Bulls
- 2017: Houston Rockets
- 2017: Northern Arizona Suns
- 2017–2018: Phoenix Suns
- 2019: Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2019: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2019–2020: Stockton Kings
- 2020–2022: UNICS Kazan
- 2022: Galatasaray Nef
- 2022–present: Olympiacos
- NBA D-League All-Star (2014), Consensus second-team All-American (2012), 2× OVC Player of the Year (2012, 2013), 3× First-team All-OVC (2011–2013), OVC Freshman of the Year (2010), No. 3 retired by Murray State Racers, Greek Super Cup winner (2022)
Isaiah Canaan was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. Canaan played for the Rockets from 2013 to 2015. Canaan is a shooting guard and point guard.
Canaan has played in the Greek Basket League, EuroLeague, and the NBA. Canaan is 31 years old and is 6 feet 0 inches tall. Canaan has averaged 8.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his career.
Canaan is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets. Canaan was one of the top players in the D-League in 2017-2018, helping the Phoenix Suns win the title. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2013 NBA draft.
He has also played for the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Northern Arizona Suns in the NBA. Canaan was a consensus second-team All-American in 2012. He played his college ball at Murray State University. Canaan has also represented Greece in international play.
He is currently a member of the Olympiacos basketball team. Canaan is a three-time OVC Player of the Year and a two-time First-team All-OVC selection. He retired from Murray State after his junior season in order to pursue a career in the NBA.
6. Popeye Jones
Career
- High school: Dresden (Dresden, Tennessee)
- College: Murray State (1988–1992)
- NBA draft 1992 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
- Selected by the Houston Rockets
- Playing career: 1992–2004
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 54, 4, 50
- Coaching career: 2010–present
- NCAA rebounding leader (1992), 2× OVC Player of the Year (1990, 1991), 3× First-team All-OVC (1989–1991), No. 54 retired by Murray State Racers
- Points: 3,726 (7.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,981 (7.4 rpg)
- Assists: 696 (1.3 apg)
Popeye Jones played power forward for the Houston Rockets from 1992 to 2004. He was an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets from 2010 to present. Jones is known for his strong work ethic and ability to communicate with players on and off the court.
He is a five-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2002. Jones has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He is a father of three children and has been married to his wife, Annette, for over 20 years.
Jones is a native of Dresden, Tennessee. He attended Murray State University and majored in physical education. Jones is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association.
Popeye Jones was an All-American at Murray State University. He played professional basketball for the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics.
Jones was a key player on the Washington Wizards team that reached the 2002 NBA Finals. He was also a part of the Golden State Warriors team that won the 2003 NBA Championship. Jones has since served as an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets.
He is well known for his strong defensive skills. Popeye Jones is a two-time OVC Player of the Year and a four-time All-Star. He has also been inducted into the Murray State Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2016, Jones was named head coach of the Murray State Racers.
7. Marcus Brown
Career
- High school: West Memphis, (West Memphis, Arkansas)
- College: Murray State (1992–1996)
- NBA draft 1996 / Round: 2 / Pick: 46th overall
- Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
- Playing career: 1996–2011
- Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
- Number: 4, 20
- 1996–1997: Portland Trail Blazers
- 1998: Pau-Orthez
- 1999: Detroit Pistons
- 1999–2000: Limoges
- 2000–2001: Benetton Treviso
- 2001–2003: Efes Pilsen
- 2003–2005: CSKA Moscow
- 2005–2007: Unicaja Málaga
- 2007–2011: Žalgiris Kaunas
- 2008–2009: →Maccabi Tel Aviv
- All-EuroLeague First Team (2004), 2× All-EuroLeague Second Team (2003, 2005), French League Foreign Player's MVP (2000), Russian Super League A Player of the Year (2004), 3× Lithuanian League All-Star (2008, 2010, 2011), 2× LKL champion (2008, 2011), LKL Finals MVP (2008), 2× BBL champion (2008, 2011), BBL Finals MVP (2010), 2× OVC Player of the Year (1995, 1996), No. 5 retired by Murray State Racers
Marcus Brown was a shooting guard/point guard who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. Brown was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1996 NBA draft and played for the team until 2011.
Brown is best known for his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won two championships (2008 and 2010). Brown also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, and Atlanta Hawks.
Brown is currently a free agent and is reportedly considering a return to the NBA. Marcus Brown is a two-time All-Star and was inducted into the Cleveland Cavaliers' Hall of Fame in 2016. Brown was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
Brown played for the Pau-Orthez team from 1998-1999. Brown played for the Limoges team from 1999-2000. Brown played for the Benetton Treviso team from 2000-2001.
Brown played for the Efes Pilsen team from 2001-2003. Brown played for the CSKA Moscow team from 2003-2005. Brown played for the Unicaja Málaga team from 2005-2007.
Brown played for the Žalgiris Kaunas team from 2007-2011. Brown retired from professional basketball in 2011.
8. Jeff Martin
Career
- High school: Cross County, (Cherry Valley, Arkansas)
- College: Murray State (1985–1989)
- NBA draft 1989 / Round: 2 / Pick: 31st overall
- Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
- Playing career: 1989–2001
- Position: Shooting guard
- Number: 15
- 1989–1991: Los Angeles Clippers
- 1991–1992: Grand Rapids Hoops
- 1992: Scani Venezia
- 1992–1993: Banco Natwest Zaragoza
- 1993–1994: Grand Rapids Hoops
- 1994: CRO Lyon Basket
- 1994–1995: Strasbourg IG
- 1995–1996: Baloncesto Salamanca
- 1996: Baloncesto Fuenlabrada
- 1997: Besançon BCD
- 1997–1998: Ciudad de Huelva
- 1998–1999: Grand Rapids Hoops
- 1999–2000: Las Vegas Silver Bandits
- 2000–2001: Montpellier
- 3× All-CBA Second Team (1992, 1994, 1999), 2× OVC Player of the Year (1988, 1989), No. 15 retired by Murray State Racers
Jeff Martin was born on January 14, 1967 in Cherry Valley, Arkansas. He attended high school at Cross County in Cherry Valley, Arkansas, and played college basketball at Murray State.
Martin was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1989 NBA Draft, and played for the team from 1989 to 2001. He is best known for his time with the Clippers, where he won a championship in 2000.
Martin has since retired from playing basketball, and currently works as a sportscaster for Fox Sports West in Los Angeles. Jeff Martin is married and has two children. Martin was a standout player at Murray State Racers, where he helped the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Martin was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft. Martin played for the Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks over the course of his career. Martin also played for the Zaragoza and Lyon Basket clubs in Spain, and the Strasbourg IG team in France.
Martin retired in 2001. Martin is now a basketball coach at his alma mater, Murray State. Martin was inducted into the Murray State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Martin is a two-time OVC Player of the Year. Martin is currently a basketball analyst for ESPN.
9. Dick Cunningham
Career
- High school: Canton South (Canton, Ohio)
- College: Murray State (1965–1968)
- NBA draft 1968 / Round: 2 / Pick: 21st overall
- Selected by the Phoenix Suns
- Playing career: 1968–1975
- Position: Center
- Number: 19, 34
- 1968–1971: Milwaukee Bucks
- 1971–1972: Houston Rockets
- 1972–1975: Milwaukee Bucks
- NBA champion (1971), NCAA rebounding leader (1967)
- Points: 1,012 (2.8 ppg)
- Rebounds: 1,324 (3.7 rpg)
- Assists: 221 (0.6 apg)
Dick Cunningham was born on July 11, 1946 in Canton, Ohio. He attended high school at Canton South and played college basketball at Murray State. Cunningham was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 1968 NBA draft and played for the team from 1968-1975.
He is best known for his time with the Suns and is sixth all-time in scoring with 17,836 points. Cunningham retired from the NBA in 1975 and now works as a commentator for NBA games.
Dick Cunningham is married and has two children. Dick Cunningham was a key player on the 1971 Milwaukee Bucks championship team.
Cunningham was also a standout rebounder and passer for the Bucks during his time in Milwaukee.
He was traded to Houston in 1972, where he continued to be a vital player on the team. Cunningham retired from the NBA in 1975. He later went on to have a successful coaching career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets.
Cunningham was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2003. He is also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame's 50th Anniversary Committee. Cunningham is currently the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. Dick Cunningham is one of the most decorated players in NBA history.
10. James Singleton
Dallas Mavericks
Career
- High school: Hirsch Metropolitan, (Chicago, Illinois)
- College: Pearl River CC (1999–2001), Murray State (2001–2003)
- NBA draft: 2003 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2003–2017
- Position: Small forward / Power forward
- As player:, CBA Slam Dunk leader (2011), Spanish League champion (2008), Italian A2 League Champion (2004), Italian A2 League Player of the Year (2004), Italian A2 League Forward of the Year (2004), Italian A2 League Import of the Year (2004), Italian League All-Star (2005), Italian League All-Star Game MVP (2005), First-team All-OVC (2003), , As assistant coach:, , NBA G League champion (2018)
James Singleton was born on July 20, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended high school at Hirsch Metropolitan in Chicago. He played college basketball at Pearl River CC.
He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2003 NBA draft but did not play for them. He played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets between 2003 and 2017.
He was a three-time All-Star and won the 2016 NBA championship with the Brooklyn Nets. He has been married to actress Taraji P. Henson since 2017. He has two children. He is 6'8" and weighs 230 pounds.
James Singleton was born on October 9, 1984 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Singleton played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2005 NBA draft.
Singleton played for the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, and Guangdong Southern Tigers before retiring in 2014. Singleton is currently the head coach of the Austin Spurs in the NBA D-League. He was awarded the Spanish League championship with the Unicaja Málaga in 2008.
Singleton was also named the CBA Slam Dunk champion in 2011. He was inducted into the Indiana University Hall of Fame in 2016. James Singleton is married and has two children.
11. Stew Johnson
Career
- High school: Clairton (Clairton, Pennsylvania)
- College: Murray State (1963–1966)
- NBA draft 1966 / Round: 3 / Pick: 21st overall
- Selected by the New York Knicks
- Playing career: 1967–1983
- Position: Power forward / Center
- Number: 24, 41, 10, 20, 13, 7, 11, 2, 23
- As player:, 3× ABA All-Star (1973–1975), Swiss League champion (1977), Úrvalsdeild scoring champion (1983), , As head coach:, , 2× Icelandic Women's League champion (1982, 1983), 2× Icelandic Women's Cup winner (1982, 1983)
- Points: 10,538 (16.3 ppg)
- Rebounds: 4,263 (6.6 rpg)
- Assists: 984 (1.5 apg)
Stew Johnson was an American power forward and center who played in the NBA for 17 seasons. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1966 NBA draft and played for the team until 1983.
Johnson was known for his strong rebounding and shot blocking abilities. He is one of only two players in NBA history to have worn the number 23. Johnson is a two-time NBA All-Star and a four-time All-NBA selection.
After his retirement from playing, Johnson served as the head coach of the Knicks for two seasons. In 2017, Johnson was inducted into the Kentucky Colonels Hall of Fame. Johnson was born in Clairton, Pennsylvania on August 19, 1944.
He is 78 years old and resides in New York City. Johnson was a star player in the ABA and helped lead the New Jersey Americans to a championship in 1967. He then played for the New York Nets and Houston Mavericks before coaching in the ABA and the NBA.
Johnson retired in 1983 after playing in Italy and Spain. He is a two-time All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Johnson is a popular and successful coach who has led teams to the playoffs in both the ABA and NBA.
12. Claude Virden
Career
- High school: Central (Akron, Ohio)
- College: Murray State (1967–1970)
- NBA draft 1970 / Round: 9 / Pick: 142nd overall
- Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
- Playing career: 1972–1973
- Position: Small forward
- Number: 24
- 1972–1973: Kentucky Colonels
- OVC Player of the Year (1970), 2× First-team All-OVC (1969, 1970)
Claude Virden was a 6'6" tall forward who played in the NBA from 1970 to 1976. Virden was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1970 NBA draft and spent his entire career with the team.
He averaged 7.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in his career. Claude Virden was born in Ohio in 1947 and attended high school in Akron. He played college basketball at Murray State and was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1970 NBA draft.
Claude Virden played a total of eight seasons in the NBA and averaged 7.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He is most famous for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he won two NBA championships. Claude Virden retired from the NBA in 1976 and later lived in Seattle.
He passed away in 2018 at the age of 75. Claude Virden was a versatile player who excelled at both small forward and shooting guard positions. Virden was a two-time All-OVC selection and played a key role on Kentucky Colonels teams that reached the NCAA tournament in both 1969 and 1970.
After graduating from Kentucky, Virden spent one year with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks before returning to the Colonels for the 1971 season.
Virden was never able to recapture the form he showed as a collegian and retired from professional basketball in 1973. Claude Virden is now a successful businessman and spends his time working in the real estate industry.
Claude Virden was a versatile player who excelled at both small forward and shooting guard positions. Virden was a two-time All-OVC selection and played a key role on Kentucky Colonels teams that reached the NCAA tournament in both 1969 and 1970.
After graduating from Kentucky, Virden spent one year with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks before returning to the Colonels for the 1971 season.
Virden was never able to recapture the form he showed as a collegian and retired from professional basketball in 1973.
13. Shaq Buchanan
Career
- High school: Madison Central, (Madison, Mississippi)
- College: , Northeast Mississippi CC (2015–2017), Murray State (2017–2019)
- NBA draft: 2019 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2019–present
- 2019–2021: Memphis Hustle
- 2021–2022: Memphis Grizzlies
- 2022: Memphis Hustle
- 2022–present: Ironi Ness Ziona
- First-team All-OVC (2019)
Shaq Buchanan is a shooting guard who played college basketball at Northeast Mississippi CC and Murray State. Buchanan was drafted by Ironi Ness Ziona in the 2017 Israeli Basketball Premier League draft.
He has played in 29 games for the team this season, averaging 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. Buchanan is a member of the United States national team, and participated in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
He is the son of former NBA player Rick Buchanan. Shaq Buchanan was born on October 10, 1999 in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a 2019 NBA draft prospect who played college basketball for the Memphis Hustle. Shaq Buchanan is a versatile player who can play both the small and power forward positions.
He has a strong frame and is able to score inside and outside. Shaq Buchanan was undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft. He is currently playing for the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G-League.
Shaq Buchanan is a part of the Israel national basketball team. He has competed in the 2019 European Basketball Championship and the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers.
Shaq Buchanan is a big part of the Memphis Hustle's young nucleus. He is looking to help the Hustle make a playoff push this season. Shaq Buchanan has a bright future in the NBA.
He is a hard worker who is looking to prove himself on the biggest stage. Shaq Buchanan is a great role model for young basketball players. He is always looking to learn and improve his game.
Shaq Buchanan is excited to compete in the 2019 NBA Summer League. He wants to show the NBA scouts what he is capable of. Shaq Buchanan is a proud American and is looking to continue his basketball career in the United States.
14. Tevin Brown
Career
- High school: Fairhope (Fairhope, Alabama)
- College: Murray State (2018–2022)
- NBA draft: 2022 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2022–present
- 2022–present: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
- 3× First-team All-OVC (2020–2022)
Brown is a 24-year-old shooting guard who played collegiately at Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Brown signed with the Mad Ants in 2018 and has been a mainstay on their roster ever since.
Brown has averaged 12.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in his NBA G League career. Brown is a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and small forward positions.
Brown is a strong defender and has a good feel for the game. Brown is looking to continue his career in the NBA and is a potential steal in the seventh round of fantasy drafts. Brown is a hard-working player who is always hustling for rebounds.
Brown has a high basketball IQ and is able to make plays on the court. Brown is a valuable member of the Mad Ants and should be a consistent scorer in the NBA G League.
Also Played For: nba undrafted
15. Roy Hurley
Syracuse Nationals
Career
- High school: Arsenal Technical, (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Playing career: 1945–1948
- Position: Forward / Guard
- Number: 21
- 1945–1946: Indianapolis Kautskys
- 1946–1947: Toronto Huskies
- 1947–1948: Tri-Cities Blackhawks
- 1948: Syracuse Nationals
Roy Hurley was an American football player and coach. He played quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and was the team's head coach from 1972 to 1978. Hurley was born in 1922 in Arcadia, California.
He attended high school at Arsenal Technical in Indianapolis. Hurley played quarterback for the Colts from 1947 to 1952. He was twice named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP). Hurley was head coach of the Colts from 1972 to 1978.
He led the team to the playoffs in all but one of his six seasons as coach. Hurley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. He died in 1993 at the age of 71. Roy Hurley is survived by his wife, Marie, and two children.
Roy Hurley was a versatile forward who played for the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, Syracuse Nationals, and Indianapolis Kautskys in the NBA. Hurley averaged 14.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in his career. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989.
16. Les Taylor
Career
- High school: Carbondale, (Carbondale, Illinois)
- College: Murray State (1970–1973)
- NBA draft 1973 / Round: 9 / Pick: 142nd overall
- Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Position: Small forward
- 2× OVC Player of the Year (1972, 1973), 3× First-team All-OVC (1971–1973)
Les Taylor played both football and basketball at Carbondale High School. After graduating from high school, Taylor attended Murray State University where he played both football and basketball.
In 1973, he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Chargers for two seasons before being released. The following year, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 8th round of the NFL Draft.
He played for the Bengals for four seasons before being released in 1980. That same year, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Lions for four seasons before being released in 1984. He then retired from football and started a career in insurance.
Taylor was a three-time first-team all-OVC player at Ohio Valley Conference schools and was named a two-time OVC Player of the Year.
After starring at Ohio State, Taylor was selected 142nd overall in the 1973 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played in the NBA for two seasons, averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Taylor retired in 1977 and moved back to his home in Columbus, Ohio. Les Taylor was inducted into the Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame in 2000. Taylor died in 2009 at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer.
17. Bennie Purcell
Career
- High school: Mt. Vernon (Mount Vernon, Illinois)
- College: Murray State (1949–1952)
- NBA draft 1952 / Round: -- / Pick: --
- Selected by the Baltimore Bullets
- Position: Guard
- Number: 21
- 1954–1959: Washington Generals
- As player, NAIB Basketball Tournament All-America (1952), No. 21 retired by Murray State Racers, As tennis coach, 10x OVC champions (1980–1989), 8x OVC Coach of the Year (1980–1985, 1987, 1988)
Bennie Purcell was born on December 10, 1929 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Purcell attended high school at Mt. Vernon (Mount Vernon, Illinois) and played college basketball at Murray State.
Purcell was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1952 NBA draft and played for the team from 1952 to 1958. Purcell then played for the Cincinnati Royals, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Philadelphia 76ers before retiring in 1967.
Purcell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. Purcell passed away on February 12, 2016 at the age of 86. Bennie Purcell is a retired professional basketball player and coach. Purcell played college basketball at Murray State University.
Purcell was drafted in the 1954 NBA draft by the Washington Generals. Purcell played in the NBA for nine seasons. Purcell was traded to the Baltimore Bullets in 1959.
Purcell retired as a player in 1959. Purcell began coaching in the 1960s. Purcell was the head coach of the Murray State Racers from 1980 to 1989.
18. Héctor Blondet
Hector "El Mago" Blondet was a Puerto Rican professional basketball player who in the 1970s played with the "Cardenales de Rio Piedras" and the "Capitanes de Arecibo" teams in the National Basketball League in Puerto Rico.
He played three years at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and was drafted in 1971 as a fifth round pick by the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. Hector "El Mago" Blondet died in 2006 in Puerto Rico. Héctor Blondet was born on October 25, 1957 in the Dominican Republic.
He was selected in that year as a tenth-round pick by the ABA's Virginia Squires, but he never played for either team despite signing a contract for Portland.
He played in the NBA from 1981 to 1990, including two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. He later played in the Spanish Liga ACB and the French Basket Pro A.
He retired in 2001. He has since worked as a basketball coach in his home country. He was inducted into the Dominican Republic Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He has two sons, Hernán and Iván. He is currently a basketball commentator for TVN in Dominican Republic.
19. Murray State Racers men's basketball statistical leaders
Murray State Racers men's basketball statistical leaders are individual statistical leaders of the Murray State Racers men's basketball program in various categories, including points, assists, blocks, rebounds, and steals.
Within those areas, the lists identify single-game, single-season, and career leaders. The Murray State Racers men's basketball statistical leaders are constantly changing, as new players join the team and others leave, so keep checking back for updated information.
The Racers lead the MVC in scoring (80.8 points per game) and field goal percentage (47.5%). Junior guard Markus Howard is the MVC's leading scorer (16.8 points per game) and rebounder (7.5 per game). Murray State also ranks 2nd in the MVC in blocked shots (6.3 per game) and steals (3.8 per game).
The Racers are 10-3 this season and are ranked #11 in the country by ESPN. Murray State is scheduled to play #1 ranked Wichita State on Saturday in the MVC Tournament.
20. KJ Williams
Murray State Racers men's basketball
Career
- High school: , East Side, (Cleveland, Mississippi), Cleveland Central, (Cleveland, Mississippi)
- College: , Murray State (2018–2022), LSU (2022–present)
- OVC Player of the Year (2022), 3× First-team All-OVC (2020–2022)
KJ Williams is a 23-year-old American power forward who plays for LSU Tigers in the SEC. Williams was born on September 3, 1999, in Cleveland, Mississippi.
He is 6'10" and weighs 245 lbs. Williams attended East Side High School in Cleveland, Mississippi and was a three-sport star in basketball, football, and track and field.
In his senior year of high school, Williams led East Side to the state championship game and was named MVP of the Mississippi All-Star game. Williams decided to play college basketball at LSU, where he is a key player for the Tigers.
Williams has averaged 10.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game over the course of his career at LSU. Williams is a versatile player who can play both power forward and center. Williams is a member of the United States national team and was a part of the 2017 FIBA World Cup championship team.
Also Played For: ncaa southeastern conference men's basketball
21. Jonathan Stark
Career
- High school: Munford (Munford, Tennessee)
- College: , Tulane (2013–2015), Murray State (2016–2018)
- NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2018–present
- 2018–2019: Iowa Wolves
- 2020–2021: Gießen 46ers
- 2021–2022: Alba Fehérvár
- 2022: Legia Warsaw
- 2022–present: Orléans Loiret
- OVC Player of the Year (2018), 2× First-team All-OVC (2017, 2018), OVC tournament MVP (2018)
Jonathan Stark is a point guard for Orléans Loiret Basket in the French Pro B league. Stark attended Munford High School in Munford, Tennessee and played college basketball for Tulane.
In 201 3, Stark led Tulane to the American Athletic Conference championship game, but they lost to Louisville. In 2016, Stark transferred to Murray State and helped the Racers reach the NCAA Tournament.
In 2018, Stark led Orléans Loiret Basket to the playoffs for the first time in their history. Stark has played in both the NBA G League and the French Pro B league. Stark is a two-time All-American and was named to the All-Conference First Team in 2016 and 2017.
Stark is a member of the United States national team. Stark is considered one of the best point guards in France. Jonathan Stark is an undrafted player in the NBA Draft who has been playing professionally in Europe for the past couple of years. Stark is a versatile player who can play both guard positions.
He has been a key player for some of the top teams in Europe, including Iowa Wolves, Gießen 46ers, Alba Fehérvár, and Legia Warsaw.
In 2018, he was named OVC Player of the Year, and he has been a key contributor for several of the top teams in Europe over the past few years. He is a hard-working player who is always looking to contribute in any way he can.
He has been in the league for less than two years, but he has already amassed a wealth of experience and success in Europe. He is a player to watch in the upcoming NBA Draft, as he has the potential to be a valuable contributor in the league.
He is a versatile player who can play both guard positions and has a good scoring touch. He is a player who is always looking to improve his game, and he has the potential to be a valuable contributor in the NBA.
22. Steve Prohm
Career
- 1992: Oglethorpe
- 1998–1999: Centenary (assistant)
- 1999–2005: Southeastern Louisiana (assistant)
- 2005–2006: Tulane (assistant)
- 2006–2011: Murray State (assistant)
- 2011–2015: Murray State
- 2015–2021: Iowa State
- 2022–present: Murray State
Prohm has been a successful assistant coach at Murray State for the past six years. He has a record of 114–38 during that time, including a championship season in 2012.
Prohm is widely respected in the coaching community and was recently named the head coach of Murray State. He is known for his offensive philosophy and his teams are consistently ranked among the best in the MVC.
Prohm is a graduate of Alabama and has a wife and three children. Prohm is the current head coach of Murray State, and has led the team to two regular season conference titles and two tournament championships in his three seasons at the helm.
Prohm is a successful coach with a record of 211–133 (.613) in his three seasons as head coach at Murray State. Prohm is known for his ability to develop players, as seen by his success in developing players over the past three seasons. Prohm is a hard worker who is always looking for ways to improve his team.
Prohm is a passionate coach who is always looking to teach his players the correct way to play the game. Prohm is a well-respected coach in the coaching community, and is regularly sought after by other programs. Prohm is a great coach who is capable of taking a team to the next level.
23. Matt McMahon
Career
- 1996–2000: Appalachian State
- Position(s): Shooting guard
- 1999–2000: Appalachian State (student asst.)
- 2000–2002: Tennessee (graduate asst.)
- 2002–2010: Appalachian State (assistant)
- 2010–2011: UNC Wilmington (assistant)
- 2011–2015: Murray State (assistant)
- 2015–2022: Murray State
- 2022–present: LSU
McMahon was hired as the new head coach of LSU in December of 2018. He is a 12-year veteran of coaching, having most recently been the head coach at Tennessee from 2000-2002.
McMahon is best known for his time at Appalachian State, where he led the Mountaineers to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. McMahon is a shooting guard who played collegiately at Appalachian State.
McMahon was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on April 26, 1978. McMahon played shooting guard for Appalachian State from 1996-2000. He then served as a graduate assistant coach at Tennessee from 2000-2002. McMahon was hired as the new head coach of LSU in December of 2018.
As of October 2019, McMahon's record is 12-10 (.545) and he has led LSU to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. McMahon is a successful assistant coach, having led Murray State to back-to-back OVC championships in 2022 and 2023.
McMahon has worked extensively with both offense and defense, and is well-known for his defensive schemes.
McMahon is highly respected by his peers and is considered one of the best assistant coaches in the country. McMahon is expected to take over as head coach at LSU in 2022.
24. Ed Daniel
Murray State Racers men's basketball
Career
- High school: Woodlawn (Birmingham, Alabama)
- College: Murray State (2009–2013)
- NBA draft: 2013 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2013–present
- 2013–2014: Pistoia Basket 2000
- 2014–2015: Pallacanestro Varese
- 2015: Vanoli Cremona
- 2015–2016: Fortitudo Bologna
- 2016–2017: Maccabi Ashdod
- 2017–2018: Châlons-Reims
- 2018–2019: Peristeri
- 2019–2020: Fortitudo Bologna
- 2020–2021: Iraklis
- 2021–present: Scafati Basket
- First-team All-OVC (2013)
Ed Daniel was born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 13, 1990. After high school, Daniel attended Murray State where he played for the Murray State Racers.
Daniel was not drafted in the 2013 NBA Draft but has since played for several teams in the Italian Serie A2 Basket. In 2017, Daniel signed with the Israeli team, Hapoel Holon.
Daniel is married and has one child. Ed Daniel is a power forward/center and has averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in his career. Daniel is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game.
Ed Daniel is a great role model for young athletes and has inspired many people throughout his career. Ed Daniel is a talented player who is always looking to contribute to his team. Ed Daniel is a 6'8" forward from Italy who has spent the last two seasons playing in the Italian league with Pallacanestro Varese.
Daniel has a very versatile game, being able to score from inside and out, and is also a very good passer. He is a very hard worker and has a good rebounding ability. Daniel has a very good attitude and is always looking to improve his game. He is a very good defender, able to keep opponents off the offensive glass.
Daniel is a highly valuable member of the Scafati Basket team and is expected to have a big year in 2019–20. Daniel is a long shot to make the Italian national team, but he is definitely one of the most talented players in Italy.
He is a very young player and has a lot of potential to develop further. Daniel is a very good role model for young players and is always looking to help out the team.
25. Ivan Aska
Murray State Racers men's basketball
Career
- High school: Boyd H. Anderson, (Lauderdale Lakes, Florida)
- College: Murray State (2008–2012)
- NBA draft: 2012 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2012–present
- 2012–2013: Leuven Bears
- 2013–2014: Ikaros Chalkidas
- 2014: Cangrejeros de Santurce
- 2014–2015: Maccabi Ashdod
- 2015–2016: Ironi Nes Ziona
- 2016: Ironi Ramat Gan
- 2016–2017: Incheon Electroland Elephants
- 2017: PAOK
- 2017–2018: SLUC Nancy
- 2018: Kolossos Rodou
- 2019–2021: Hapoel Hevel Modi'in
- 2021: Rabotnički
- 2021–present: DEAC
- FIBA CBC Championship MVP (2015), Second-team All-OVC (2012), OVC Freshman of the Year (2009)
- Medals, , Representing Virgin Islands, FIBA CBC Championship, : 2011 The Bahamas: , : 2015 British Virgin Islands:
- Representing Virgin Islands
- FIBA CBC Championship
- : 2011 The Bahamas:
- : 2015 British Virgin Islands:
Ivan Aska was a standout player at Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Aska played college basketball for Murray State and was a part of the team that reached the NCAA Tournament in 2012.
Aska was not drafted by an NBA team in 2012, but he has since had a successful career in Europe. Aska is a powerful forward/center with a high basketball IQ. He is currently playing for Leuven Bears in the Belgian League.
Ivan Aska was born in Slovenia in 1988. Ivan Aska played for Kolossos Rodou in the Greek League in the 2011-2012 season.
Aska then played for PAOK in the Greek League from the 2012-2013 season to the 2017-2018 season. Aska then moved to Israel and played for Ironi Nes Ziona in the Israeli League in the 2017-2018 season.
Aska then moved to the United States and played for the Southern California Surfers in the 2018-2019 season. Aska then moved to South Korea and played for Incheon Electroland Elephants in the Korean League in the 2019-2020 season.
Aska then moved to Greece and played for Ikaros Chalkidas in the Greek League in the 2020-2021 season. Aska then signed with the Delaware 87ers of the NBA G-League in the 2021-2022 season. Aska then signed with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA in the 2022-2023 season.
26. Jarvis Williams
Career
- High school: Wilkinson County, (Irwinton, Georgia)
- College: , Gordon State (2011–2013), Murray State (2013–2015)
- NBA draft: 2015 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2015–present
- 2015–2016: Śląsk Wrocław
- 2016: Tofaş
- 2016–2017: Boulazac
- 2017–2018: Caen
- 2018–2019: Rosa Radom
- 2019–2020: ZZ Leiden
- 2020–2021: Vanoli Cremona
- 2021–present: Rytas Vilnius
- Lithuanian League champion (2022)
Jarvis Williams is a power forward / center for the Lithuanian Basketball League side, Rytas Vilnius. He was born on January 21, 1993 in Macon, Georgia and attended Wilkinson County High School in Irwinton, Georgia where he played for the Bulldogs.
Williams then attended Gordon State where he played for the Bears from 2011 to 2013. He has since then joined the Lithuanian side, Rytas Vilnius, and has played a big role in their success in the Lithuanian Basketball League. Williams has a good physique and is a strong player in the middle of the court.
He has a good scoring ability and has averaged 14.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the Lithuanian Basketball League.
Williams has also been a key player for Rytas in their successful run in the LKL Finals, where they are currently competing. Williams is a good team player and has a good attitude on and off the court.
He is currently 30 years old and is looking to continue his success in the Lithuanian Basketball League and in international competitions.
Final Words
The Murray State Racers men’s basketball program is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA. Representing the Racers on the court is a group of talented players that have helped the team win numerous championships.
Some of the best players in program history include Trey Lyles, Marcus Lee, and Deonte Burton. Lyles and Lee are two of the most decorated players in Murray State history, each winning multiple awards including First Team All-American and National Player of the Year.
Burton, on the other hand, is a versatile player that has been key in the Racers’ recent success.
