La Salle center considers Kansas

By Gary Bedore     Apr 18, 2011

Aaric Murray, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound sophomore center who recently announced plans to leave La Salle University, likely will transfer either to Kansas University or West Virginia, Jon Rothstein of CBSsports.com reported Sunday.

Murray recently told Zagsblog.com that he had a list of KU, Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, St. John’s, West Virginia, UConn, Texas and Florida. The Philadelphia Daily News also listed Marquette and DePaul.

The Philadelphia native, who averaged 15.2 points and 7.7 rebounds a game for La Salle last season, chose La Salle over West Virginia his senior year at Philly’s Glen Mills High School.

Murray will have two years of eligibility remaining but must sit out next season according to NCAA transfer rules.

Murray ranked third in the Atlantic 10 in blocks (73, second in school history), was seventh in rebounding and 11th in scoring in 2010-11. He’s second all-time in career blocks at La Salle (143) after just two seasons. He just missed a triple-double, scoring 20 points, with 11 rebounds and a school-record nine blocks against Morgan State. He had seven double-doubles on the season.

Dick Jerardi of the Philadelphia Daily News was somewhat critical of Murray on March 25 when the decision to leave La Salle was announced.

“La Salle coach John Giannini had a season-long struggle with Murray,” Jerardi wrote. “The mega-talent was not always interested in the game. In fact, Giannini said that Murray really does not like the sport. It often showed in Murray’s performances.

“Murray had moments when he was great and other moments when he disappeared, sometimes in the same game. Giannini publicly defended his player, but anyone with eyes knew the coach was having a difficult time getting through to his star player.”

Giannini said: “I wish Aaric the very best for his future. I know Aaric always tried to do his best for La Salle, and we did all that we could to help him as a person and as a basketball player.”

Calipari visits Lacey

Trevor Lacey, a 6-3, 200-pound senior combo guard from Huntsville (Ala.) High, received an in-home visit from Kentucky coach John Calipari on Sunday, according to Nationofblue.com. KU coach Bill Self is expected to visit Lacey today. Lacey made a weekend visit to Alabama. Rivals.com‘s No. 34-rated player also has Auburn, UConn and North Carolina State on his list.

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