USF jumped into the mix with class of 2021 IMG Academy wing Brandon Murray Sunday night, and BullsInsider.com spoke with him to discuss the offer and his recruitment.
Murray, who grew up in Maryland and graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic this spring, already held 14 offers when the Bulls offered, but since he decided to reclassify to 2021 and take a post graduate year at IMG, USF’s location should help the staff accelerate the relationship building process.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder averaged 22.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists while helping to lead Poly to a 25-2 record and the final four of the MPSSAA class 3A state tournament. The tournament was cancelled, due to the pandemic, before the semifinals were played.
In addition to Murray’s high level scoring he told us that he made 66 percent of his field goals this season, including an astounding 55 percent of his three-point attempts.
“The coaches at Poly they definitely had the offense revolve around me and Justin (Lewis a Marquette signee),” Murray said. “They are very helpful, they like seeing people grow. Coming to Poly was one of the best decisions of my life. Coach Sam (Brand, head coach at Poly) and Coach Fitz (Anthony ‘Rebound’ Fitzgerald, Poly assistant coach) really worked with me, really put time into help me and develop me.”
Murray’s game high 21-points in a win over IMG Academy in February led to eight offers in the three days following the game. In addition to USF Murray also holds offers from Coastal Carolina, DePaul, East Tennessee State, Georgetown, Hofstra, Mississippi, North Carolina-Greensboro, North Texas, Rhode Island, Siena, St. Bonaventure, Towson, Virginia Tech and Wichita State. Georgia, Temple and Tennessee are in contact with Murray but have yet to offer.
Murray, a three-star prospect, talked about USF and two schools he is hearing from the most consistently.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
USF: They actually just started recruiting me. They offered Sunday night. Coach Tom Herrion said that they have something good going on. They’re building up their program, I would be a really good fit for them and how they can help me with my education and stuff like that.
Mississippi: My relationship with the staff at Ole Miss is great. Coach Kermit (Davis) calls me almost every day checking on me. Coach (Ronnie) Hamilton, it’s like the whole staff is just involved in my recruiting process. I would be very comfortable going there due to the relationship with them.
Tennessee: Coach Kim English has been recruiting me. He’s a guy from Baltimore so he’s a guy who knows how it is out here. We’ve built a bond, we’ve built a little connection with each other.
