Thursday night, University of Virginia small forward Trey Murphy (#25) was drafted 17th overall in the NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Immediately upon this selection, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Following his transfer from Rice, Murphy started 20 games for the Cavaliers last season, averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. If that wasn’t enough, he also boasted a 50.3% field goal percentage and 43.3% three-point percentage.
The @memgrizz (for @PelicansNBA) select @Treymurphyiii with the 17th overall pick! ?⚔️? #GoHoos #NBAHoos pic.twitter.com/4jUhFG9tIl
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) July 30, 2021
Standing at 6’9’’ with a seven-foot wingspan, Murphy is a guy that can cover ground. His ability to get to the rim, excellent court vision, and shooting ability make him an instant weapon for the Pelicans. While he may need to fill out his frame, young teammates like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram will be great influences in shaping Murphy’s career.
Murphy joins a string of UVA players in the NBA, most recently following Mamadi Diakite, Deandre Hunter, Ty Jerome, and Kyle Guy. With this pick, Trey becomes the fourth Cavalier to be picked in the first round of the draft in the last six years.
TREY MURPHY
NUMBER 17
LETS GO @PelicansNBA
LETS GO HOOS pic.twitter.com/QjnyM2ZG5M
— Barstool UVA (@BarstoolUVA) July 30, 2021
Despite being the only Hoo drafted, Murphy was not the only Cavalier that entered into a new chapter in their basketball career. Following the draft, forward Sam Hauser signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics.
Sharpshooter @Big_Smooth10 begins his #NBA journey with @celtics! ?⚔️? #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/296umAcBT5
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) July 30, 2021
Hauser, another transfer out of Marquette, averaged 16.0 points per game in his 25 games started. The forward also accounted for an average of 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. We know Sam Hauser can be successful. A strong floor manager, he’s a guy that you can trust with the rock. With a 41.7% three-point percentage, he will spread the floor and make defenses work; not only creating opportunities for himself, but for his teammates as well.
The final action from the evening came from the Hoonicorn, Jay Huff. As of Thursday night, Huff entered into an Exhibit 10 contract with the Washington Wizards. This means that Huff finds himself signed to a one-year contract with a guaranteed training camp invitation. While this opens a door for the stretch five big man, his work is far from over as he will have to prove his value on the court to the organization throughout camp and the beginning of the season.
Big Jay's #NBA career starts with @WashWizards! ?⚔️? #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/qzQohzbNUr
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) July 30, 2021
Regardless of their situation, congratulations to all three former Hoos. Each of them brings a unique skillset to their respective rosters and will make their organizations better both on, and off, the court. It was a pleasure to watch them in the Orange and Blue, and now they have an opportunity to represent them at the next level. As UVA continues their dominance over college basketball, there is no telling what the future holds. However, these three young men will certainly make invaluable additions to their respective NBA rosters.
