BARANGAY Ginebra Gin Kings have secured Jordan Murphy as its new import for the resumption of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup action next month.
Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone confirmed to Fastbreak that the Puerto Rican-Virgin Islander forward has already arrived in the Philippines.
“Yes, Jordan Murphy has arrived today and will be the new Ginebra import,” Cone said in a Viber message.
Murphy is expected to join the Gin Kings in practice Friday as the team begins integrating him into its system ahead of the Governors’ Cup resumption.
Cone believes Murphy’s skill set could complement Ginebra’s trademark “triangle offense”, although the veteran coach said the team still needs to see him work on the court before making a full assessment.
“He’s purported to be more of inside/outside operator which should fit our triangle. We’ll know more when we get him into practice over the next several days,” Cone said.
The 6-foot-6 Murphy played his college basketball at the University of Minnesota, where he became known for his rebounding and production around the basket while also developing an ability to operate from the perimeter.
He went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft and subsequently pursued his professional career through overseas leagues and the NBA G League.
Murphy now gets his opportunity in the PBA with Ginebra, which will look to quickly familiarize him with the team’s system as the Gin Kings continue their Governors’ Cup campaign.
The Gin Kings opened the season-ending conference with American Riley Grigsby as their import but struggled to find their footing, winning just two of their first six games.
Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee was unavailable for the team’s bid to defend its championship after dealing with multiple injuries, with reports also indicating that the veteran forward is considering retirement. (Adrian Co)
