Purdue Basketball Anticipates Forward’s Return for Big Ten Opener
Purdue basketball is gearing up for its Big Ten opener against Rutgers. The game is set for December 2, and the Boilermakers anticipate the return of forward Liam Murphy.
Liam Murphy’s Anticipated Return
Liam Murphy has been sidelined since November 15 due to a shoulder injury. He last played on November 7, scoring 11 points in a victory against Oakland. The senior forward transferred from North Florida and was brought in to enhance the team’s depth and outside shooting capabilities.
Recently, Murphy returned to practice on November 26, increasing hopes for his comeback. Coach Matt Painter noted, “He practiced the other day, so if he goes today, he’ll be able to play.”
Impact on the Team
Murphy’s contributions have been limited this season, with all of his minutes occurring in the initial two games. He played briefly in the season opener while the team was without starting forward Trey Kaufman-Renn. Despite not seeing action in a victory over Alabama on November 13, his skill set has been pivotal for the Boilermakers.
Murphy’s Performance Insights
- At North Florida, Liam Murphy excelled in three-point shooting with a 42.3% success rate.
- During last season, he made 104 three-pointers.
- This season, Murphy has attempted ten field goals, with nine being three-point shots, making four of those attempts.
- His only non-three-point attempt was a dunk against Oakland.
With the Big Ten play starting, Purdue will look to leverage Murphy’s return effectively. The Boilermakers aim to capitalize on his scoring ability as they face Rutgers in this critical matchup.
