Steven Pearl addresses Auburn’s KeShawn Murphy opting out of NIT
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Auburn Tigers are still playing basketball. They won their NIT opener over South Alabama 78-67 on Tuesday night, but without center KeShawn Murphy.
After the game, Steven Pearl confirmed pregame reports that Murphy opted out of playing with the Tigers in the NIT.
“Yeah, I mean, Murph has decided not to play in these games, I’m not sure why, Peral told reporters. “But you know, listen, we love Murph and have a lot of love for everything he’s done for us and his commitments to this program. So, wish him well, want him to still finish up academically. I got nothing but love for Murph. He came here and wanted to try and make history for Auburn, and he’s just ultimately decided not to play. So, (we’re) gonna just pour into the guys that are here.”
"Murph has decided not to play in these games and I'm not sure why. But, listen, we love Murph… Wish him well… Just gonna pour into the guys that are here and want to hoop." – Steven Pearl on KeShawn Murphy's absence in Auburn's NIT win over South Alabama pic.twitter.com/icp0zNgex2
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) March 18, 2026
A Birmingham native who originally signed with Mississippi State and transferred to Auburn, Murphy made 31 appearances with 29 starts this season. He averaged 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Auburn will host Seattle on Saturday in the second round of the NIT. Kalshi is currently taking prediction action on the game.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
