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Emerson Murray: Undisputed

Published by CROWN staff on May 14, 2009

Vancouver,BC-Fresh off a provincial championship in BC, top prospect Emerson Murray is back to the drawing board for the summer.

By: Tariq Sbiet

Photo Credit: Randy Smith

Murray possesses an unparalleled combination of speed, athleticism and a shooting stroke smoother than his ‘flat-top’ hair-do.

“My flat top is gone but I will be growing it back next year no doubt. I got the idea from my science class because we watched the movie JUICE with Tupac and Omar Epps, and I had an afro at the time so I did it, and it got a lot of mixed reviews but it was fun and funny to have,” Murray jokes.

With team captain Luke Braund out for the majority of the 08-09 season with a knee injury, it was Murray who was on the front line, expected to lead his St George Saints to high school basketball supremacy.

That he did, as he guided his Saints to a 2008-2009 provincial championship; all at the adolescent age of 17, including hitting the game-winner for his squad to capture the gold.

“I got the ball and they were in a 3-2 zone, luckily I got a good look, and God put the ball in the hoop for the team and secured us the win.”

Murray has just finished off his junior year as a Saint and is already a consensus top three player in the province; possibly the top point guard. (unless Elijah Mara from WRCA has anything to say about it)

There is very little that Emerson can’t do. He is able to defend, shoot from deep, stick the mid-range, and drive hard to the basket and finish with authority. Not to mention, his freakish vertical leap.

With all this, Murray still has elements in his game that need polishing.

“My biggest weakness is knowing when to assert myself at certain times, and dribbling too much as well as moving without the ball. I believe I have to work on everything. I got a far way to go and whatever tips and help I get, I will try and soak it up,” says Murray.

Also evident is his will to win mixed with great leadership skills. You won’t find Murray barking at his teammates in a time of desperation. Instead, you can count on Emerson to encourage his teammates verbally, while leading by example all together.

In the meantime, Murray will spend his summer locked and chained into the hardwood floors of the Drive basketball gym located in Richmond, BC, training with AAU team coaches, Pasha Bains and Chad Clifford. (former BC provincial AAA MVP’s)

Currently recuperating from an exhausting season, expect Murray in Toronto come June, at the PHASE 1 All-Canada Classic, where he will be showcasing his talents among the best that Canada has to offer and representing BC as the youngest player in the event.

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