KeShawn’s Comeback
November 25, 2023 | Men's Basketball, Joel Coleman
Bulldog forward makes earlier-than-expected return.
STARKVILLE – Just over seven minutes were remaining in the first half of No. 25 Mississippi State's game against Nicholls on Friday when a loud ovation broke out at Humphrey Coliseum. And it had absolutely nothing to do with MSU's 20-13 lead.
Subbing in and trotting out onto Adkerson Court for the first time all season was Bulldog forward KeShawn Murphy. A figurative and literal big missing piece of MSU's 2023-24 equation was officially back from injury much earlier than expected.
On his 21st birthday, Murphy received a gift he won't soon forget.
"It felt really good," Murphy said. "I enjoyed the atmosphere. I enjoyed the love I got. It was great to get back on the floor."
The Bulldogs eventually rolled to a 74-61 win. State never trailed in the contest and moved to a perfect 6-0 for the year. But perhaps the biggest development of the afternoon was Murphy's comeback, as it makes an already deep team even more dangerous.
Murphy gave a brief glimpse of what he can add on Friday. In 11 minutes of action, he scored six points, had a couple of rebounds and a pair of assists. But what the numbers don't tell is everything else Murphy is bringing back with him.
He's an inspiring teammate.
"It just makes me smile internally having him back out there with the guys," Cameron Matthews said of Murphy. "Just knowing who he is, he's a fighter. His history, he's had a lot of ups and downs, and I knew he was going to get back right. I just have faith in him and the basketball player he is."
Murphy also helps lead the Dawgs with a top-notch, dedicated work ethic. It's why he's back in November as opposed to his original timeline that had him back on the court sometime next month.
"Big shoutout to my trainer [Andrew Kegley], and my strength coach, [Dominick Walker]," Murphy said. "They really made it happen. They pushed me every day. We worked every day. We knew where we wanted to get to in a short amount of time, so we got there."
It all culminated inside The Hump Friday. Murphy entered in the first half. He made his first basket on a layup with 11:44 to go in the contest – his first points since State's NCAA Tournament game against Pittsburgh back in March. Murphy later got to the free-throw line and added four points from the charity stripe on the way to State wrapping the game in Maroon and White.
When all was said and done, Murphy was pleased, while at the same time hungry for more.
"I feel alright, I've just got to work my way back in," Murphy said. "When I work my way back in, we should be good…Just got to get in shape and know what I'm doing out there and feel comfortable."
It'll come with time, but Friday was a start. It was a moment everyone from the top of the State basketball program down was proud to see.
"He's such a nice kid," MSU head coach Chris Jans said of Murphy. "He's such a fun-loving kid. He's fun to be around. He's well-liked. He's got to be as well-liked as anyone on our team. He just gets along with everybody, and he's a heck of a basketball player."
