Brooklyn Boy On a Mission

It’s early in the season, but the FIU men’s basketball team (7-3) has gotten off to a phenomenal start, winning seven of its last eight games.

The Panthers look poised to make some noise once post-season play comes along. Unfortunately, due to an issue with low APR scores the team will not be eligible for the NCAA tournament this season.

 “We’re not focused on the post -season right now,” “said senior forward Tymell Murphy. “We’re just taking it game by game, day by day”

 Despite knowing that even if the Panthers run the table and win every game left on their schedule they will still be forced to watch March Madness from their couch like the rest of us; the team has been able to come together to put forth an impressive start to the season.

 One of the main reasons for FIU’s recent success is 6-foot-5 forward Tymell Murphy. Like it says on his Twitter Murphy is a “Brooklyn boy on a mission.” Murphy led the team in both scoring and rebounding last year, averaging 14.6 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game.

This year Murphy has improved those numbers and is once again leading the team in scoring, with 16.3 PPG and is second behind teammate Rakeem Buckles in rebounding at 8.9 rebounds per game. Buckles the senior transfer from Louisville is averaging 10.1 points per game.

 Murphy has shown no issues putting the ball in the basket this season, much like his favorite NBA player Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is currently second in the NBA with 26.3 points per game. Murphy wears number 15 in honor of Carmelo Anthony who wore the number 15 in his years with the Denver Nuggets.

 Although Carmelo Anthony may be Murphy’s favorite player, Murphy who is left handed, chooses to model his game after other players who have a similar style of play. When asked which player Murphy inspires to be like the most, he answered:

 “Manu Ginobili, because he’s left handed,” said Murphy. “He’s very tough to guard and he’s a very prolific scorer. I also watch him James Harden and Delroy James a lot.”

 While many people may be familiar with the two southpaw NBA shooting guards, James harden of the Houston Rockets and Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs. The name “Delroy James” isn’t quite a household name.

 “He’s a guy from Brooklyn, New York who went to Rhode Island a couple years ago he was really good,“ said Murphy. “He is a left handed player, he’s actually my favorite left handed player.”

 James is a 6-foot-8 forward who is currently playing overseas for Enel Brindisi of Italy. James is currently averaging 14.1 PPG and 7.9 RPG through eight games with Enel Brindisi.

 Just like Delroy James, Murphy also hails from Brooklyn, New York. Like James, and Murphy there is great talent and stiff competition. However, when it comes to Murphy, no competitor was tougher than his own brother Lahmell Murphy.

 “Nobody ever did what he did to me and made me feel the way he made me feel at times,” said Murphy. “Sometimes when I’m on the court I imagine that there my brother and I want to beat them so bad because of what he put me through growing up.“

 Now while he stands at 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Tymell Murphy might be an intimidating presence on the court, off the court he is not afraid get in touch with emotions.

 “I like to watch movies, mostly romance and funny movies,” said Murphy. “My favorite romantic-comedy is ‘Slum dog millionaire’, but ‘He Got Game ‘ is also one of my favorite movies.”

 Murphy also enjoys listening to music. A few of his favorite artist are: Joe Budden, Lana Del Ray, J Cole, and Jay Z. Murphy listens to a wide variety of music and tries to switch it up every now and then.  One of Murphy’s favorite songs to listen too before a game is “New Soul” by Yael Naim.

 “I like to listen to smooth music sometimes, to keep me from being too excited before a game,” said Murphy.

 With just a few weeks away from his 23rd birthday on December 30, the young talented forward has a bright future ahead of him.

 “I’m just pursuing my dreams right now,” said Murphy. “I’m just having fun enjoying basketball everyday with my teammates and coaches trying to learn the game, trying to learn defense, trying to learn how to become a better player, and better teammate. Everyone has a dream; my dream is to play at the next level, which is the NBA.”