The early portal cycle hadn't been anything too crazy for Mississippi State basketball. The Bulldogs saw a few bench players enter the portal, and Kanye Clary's decision to leave had been expected for months. Guard Riley Kugel was a notable name to hit the portal, but many felt that was coming, as the move seem best for both parties.
Center Michael Nwoko's transfer out was somewhat of a surprise, but no one viewed it as that crushing of a blow to Mississippi State given the Bulldogs' remaining options at the five. Unfortunately for State, their top option there is now also on his way out.
Mississippi State Bulldogs lose KeShawn Murphy to transfer portal
Wednesday afternoon, news broke that Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy was entering the portal. Murphy, a 6-10, 230 junior out of Birmingham, had a breakout season for the Bulldogs in 2024-2025, finishing second on the team in scoring with 11.7 points per game and leading State in rebounding with 7.4 boards per game. Joe Tipton of On3 Sports first reported the news.
NEWS: Mississippi State forward Keyshawn Murphy is entering the transfer portal, he tells @On3sports.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 9, 2025
The 6-10 junior from Birmingham averaged 11.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game this season. https://t.co/H7tTAt6A6t pic.twitter.com/IrSMf82ads
KeShawn Murphy was a huge piece for the Bulldogs this season. While listed as a forward, he proved to be MSU's best and most consistent option at center, averaging 8.6 more minutes per game than starter Michael Nwoko and finishing with significantly better numbers.
As the season progressed, Murphy proved to be State's lone consistent scoring threat outside of Josh Hubbard, going for double-figures on 21 occasions. He posted a season-high 20 points on an 80% shooting night in a blowout win over Pittsburgh. He finished the year with five double-doubles, with a season-high 14 rebounds coming in a win against Utah.
With a bit more consistency on the defensive end, KeShawn Murphy could legitimately develop into one of the best bigs in college basketball. And despite the losses from the roster, the thought was that Mississippi State could have one of the SEC's best duos between Hubbard and Murphy next season.
Well now Murphy is in the portal, and Hubbard is testing the NBA Draft waters. I'd still expect Hubbard to withdraw from the draft and return to Starkville, but even if he does, he would now be the only major contributor returning for State next season (save for defensive-spark Shawn Jones off the bench). That's a tough spot to be in.
Technically speaking, Murphy could withdraw from the portal and return. He did that last season, though that time around circumstances were significantly different with him having dealt with injuries and being lower on the depth chart. This time, he knows he's a high priority for MSU, which suggests he's set on making a change.
Hopefully that's not the case, and Chris Jans can get him to return once again. But realistically, Mississippi State is now facing a situation where they've got to fill out nearly an entire rotation through the transfer portal.