Offseason surgery latest hurdle for Purdue basketball transfer ready to fill his role
While Purdue basketball incoming transfer Liam Murphy recovers from recent shoulder surgery, he's taking advantage of the same "unique sounding board" he's used his entire life.
Murphy's mother, Eileen, is a physical therapist. During the North Florida transfer's recovery, and all the other physical challenges he's experienced in a career nearing its sixth year, he always had an extra expert in his corner.
"Everything I feel or am experiencing or going through — whether it's pain or discomfort or a question about rehab programs and how to get strength back as soon as possible, or an exercise — she's been a big help," Murphy told IndyStar on Thursday from the family's home in Staten Island, New York.
Murphy underwent surgery to repair a partial labrum tear in his left, non-shooting shoulder five weeks ago. He is optimistic he will be cleared for full-contact participation before Purdue resumes practice in early June.
Murphy said he suffered the injury early in the Ospreys' conference season. He played through pain most of the second half of the season but put off an MRI until the season was over. That test revealed the tear, which was repaired with a minor arthroscopic procedure.
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The injury did not stop Murphy from leading the Atlantic Sun Conference in 3-point percentage and makes per game. He also does not feel as though he lost much strength due to the surgery. He said he's had full range of motion for a couple of weeks and has been maintaining his range by working on form shooting.
Unfortunately, Murphy is accustomed to these situations. He did not have a true freshman season after the Ivy League canceled it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He missed the final six games of his sophomore season with a broken hand. He came back from an ankle injury his junior season, then missed his entire senior season after undergoing hip surgery.
Along the way, Murphy finished an Ivy league undergraduate degree, expects to finish a masters at North Florida this summer and will pursue an MBA at Purdue. That extended tenure also potentially made him a better fit for precisely what Purdue needed.
Murphy became coach Matt Painter 's third addition since the end of the season, following former South Dakota big man Oscar Cluff and Israeli guard Omer Mayer.
Murphy filled the need for a sharpshooting forward after the transfer departures of Myles Colvin and Camden Heide. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound Murphy shot 42.3% from 3 on 246 attempts.
The third attribute Purdue needed was a player willing to accept what will likely be a supporting role on a roster considered among the best and most experienced in the country.
"In terms of role definition it was exactly what I was looking for — they have a specific need and I have a specific skill set," Murphy said.
He's eager to arrive in West Lafayette and receive clearance to begin using that skill set.
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