Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 14 No. 3 | December 2021

inside.hokiesports.com 11 Aluma has already been huge in helping Murphy settle in as a transfer, driving him around and showing him the area, what campus is like and what the guys are like. The two are roommates and Murphy has shown his appreciation to have Aluma helping him along the way. “It’s been a blessing,” Murphy said. “A lot of transfers aren’t able to walk into a place like this.” It’s been a transition for Murphy, and it hasn’t been easy at times, but the familiarity with Aluma and Young has played a huge role in helping him settle in. “Just pumped to have gone through that challenge,” he said. “I think it’s going to help me this season and the team.” Murphy has already found his role on the team as a leader and said there hasn’t been a single day that has been sluggish or unproductive. He has found his voice on the court and in practice, slotting into a big shooting role in his first year. Murphy expressed his excitement to have all five guys on the court that can shoot from three and that the Hokies are going to be dangerous. “I’ve noticed in practice that when I’m aggressive, I have such great players around me that they’re making plays and getting open, hitting shots and catching lobs,” he said. Murphy knows the Hokies have big expectations in Young’s third year at the helm. Tech took a big step forward last season with Young relying on a familiar face in Aluma, and this year, Young gets to add Murphy to the mix. “He’s a smart player and a really good passer. [He] doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves as a shooter,” Young said. “He makes the players around him better. He makes the game easy for teammates. He’s an energy provider. He affects the culture of your program.” The band’s back together for one final tour. Although it’s for one season, Hokie Nation should cherish the encore performance.