Story by Blake Sandlin, Assistant Sports Editor
Photo by Bryan Edwards, Sports Editor
Murray State’s men’s basketball team will have two scholarship openings for the upcoming season after sophomore forward Jalen Dupree was granted release to transfer out of the program.
Murray State Head Coach Matt McMahon announced the news of Dupree’s departure on Friday, March 23.
“Jalen Dupree has been granted his release from our program,” McMahon said. “We appreciate his contributions over the last two years, and we wish Jalen the best moving forward.”
Dupree, a Cordova, Tennessee native, has spent two seasons with the Racers. He played a central role in the paint for the 26-6 Racers, starting in 17 of 30 games and averaging 5.7 PPG and 4.4 rebounds per game.
“I would like to say that the last two years at Murray State have been a blessing to me,” Dupree tweeted. “I have encountered some of the greatest fans and have connected with a band of guys I will forever call my brothers. Murray State is truly one of the greatest programs that any kid would be proud of. However, sometimes plans do not always play out the way we envision them. We then have to pick up the pieces and move forward and do what’s best for our futures.”
“I have learned a great deal from the opportunity afforded me at Murray State and will be forever indebted to Racer Nation,” he continued. “Thanks to everyone who has supported me. Best of luck to Racer Nation.”
The 6-foot-9 forward endured a rocky sophomore year, as earlier this season McMahon suspended him for two games for “actions that failed to meet team standards”.
His impending departure comes following Murray State’s 85-68 loss to West Virginia in the NCAA tournament. The program will now be tasked with filling two open scholarship positions for the upcoming year.
Dupree’s decision leaves a glaring shortage in Murray State’s frontcourt. Senior forward Terrell Miller, who accounted for 15.1 PPG and 8.6 RPG, will be graduating this year, leaving only junior forward Brion Sanchious (2.9 PPG) and junior forward Anthony Smith (3.6 PPG) to carry the load in the paint. They also have a verbal commitment from Mississippi native Kamarian Williams.