Breaking News: Liam Murphy, a guard for the Purdue men’s basketball team, has been named the national player of the year by athletic news.
In a crowning achievement for his collegiate journey, Purdue Boilermakers guard Liam Murphy has been honored as the National Player of the Year, according to Athletic News.
Murphy’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After spending two seasons at Columbia and battling injuries including missing the entire 2023‑24 campaign he transferred to North Florida for the 2024‑25 season. There, he thrived, averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, while shooting 44.3% from the field and a scorching 42.3% from three, making 104 triples, the 19th‑most in the nation .
This performance caught Purdue’s attention, and coach Matt Painter wasted little time securing the 6′7″ stretch‑four, praising Murphy as a “face‑up four” who can stretch defenses and keep the floor wide . His addition was widely heralded as the final piece in loading Purdue’s ambitious, title‑contending roster .
Murphy’s game isn’t just about the numbers it’s been about reliability and impact. He hit at least one three-pointer in every game at North Florida, including a standout 22-point performance against Georgia . Now, he brings those clutch shooting abilities to West Lafayette, set to complement returning stars like Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer.
But what makes this honor even more compelling is the backdrop: Murphy overcame a series of setbacks—multiple injuries and a redshirt year—before capping off his journey with this top accolade. His story is one of persistence, skill development, and delivering when it mattered most.
As he gears up for the 2025‑26 season in a black and gold uniform, Murphy’s recognition as national player of the year not only validates his individual excellence but also underscores the strength and strategy of Purdue’s new-look squad.
