Ole Miss basketball guard Matthew Murrell to enter NBA Draft, maintain eligibility
OXFORD — Ole Miss basketball's Matthew Murrell will enter his name in the NBA Draft but plans to maintain his college eligibility, according to an announcement posted by Murrell on Instagram Tuesday afternoon.
Murrell, a junior guard, led the Rebels with 14.4 points per game last season, also grabbing 3.5 rebounds and dishing out 2.6 assists per contest. Murrell is the program's all-time highest-rated recruit, according to 247Sports.
He shot 36.5% from the floor and 30.4% from 3-point range on an Ole Miss team that struggled to score last season. Both of those marks came in under his career averages.
Murrell has until May 31 to decide whether he will go pro or return to college.
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Below is his statement in full:
"First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to God for being the pillar of strength for me and my family. Without God none of this is possible.
"To my teammates, the Ole Miss coaching staff and the Ole Miss community, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the incredible support and guidance you have all given me during these last three amazing years. It has been an unforgettable journey and I am honored to have been a part of such a talented and dedicated group of individuals.
"After talking to my family, I have decided to declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining my eligibility. I am excited for the next chapter of my basketball journey and I want to thank you for being a major part of it."
David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at deckert@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @davideckert98.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss basketball guard Matthew Murrell will enter NBA Draft
