The Auburn Tigers have added their big man ahead of next season, an interconference transfer from the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Bruce Pearl and Auburn Land Commitment From Former Mississippi State Big Man KeShawn Murphy
Following the conclusion of Auburn’s season, head coach Bruce Pearl faced questions over who would head the front line for the Tigers come the 2025-26 season.
Forward Johni Broome, a Naismith National Player of the Year finalist, was set to graduate and enter the NBA Draft, as was starting center Dylan Cardwell. The pair stood 6’10” and 6’11”, respectively, and their physicality and strength down low were key factors in Auburn’s Final Four run.
Auburn has landed its starting big man for next season as Mississippi State transfer Keshawn Murphy is headed to play for Bruce Pearl, source told @TheFieldOf68.
The 6-10 Junior averaged 11.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this past season.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 15, 2025
Pearl doesn’t need to worry anymore, as he’s landed the commitment of former Mississippi State starting forward/center KeShawn Murphy.
Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 reported the news.
Murphy was a three-star recruit coming out of Birmingham, AL, before beginning his career with the Bulldogs.
In his first season in Starkville, the 6’10” forward played in just 19 games and averaged 3.3 points along with 1.7 rebounds in 10.2 minutes. He progressed slightly during his sophomore season, upping his scoring to 4.7 points, but still only playing 13.2 minutes per game across 21 appearances.
It was during this past season with Mississippi State that he really blossomed into the player he’s become known as. Still coming off the bench for 31 of 34 games, Murphy contributed 11.7 points, grabbed 7.4 rebounds, and blocked 1.1 shots.
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Comfortable on the perimeter despite not being much of a shooter, Murphy has the ability to break down his defender and has a nice touch around the basket.
His scoring punch helped the Bulldogs secure an NCAA Tournament berth. Unfortunately for them, they were defeated in the first round by the Baylor Bears. Murphy scored 10 points and came down with four rebounds in the loss.
Now using his final season of eligibility with Auburn, Murphy will fit right into the fold for Pearl and the Tigers as they aim to defend their SEC regular-season title.
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