/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48491153/usa-today-9031670.0.jpg)
Everyone knows what a superb scorer Sheldon McClellan is.
When his game is on, Angel Rodriguez is the floor general.
And Ja'Quan Newton's emerging play is easily one of the top stories of the season thus far.
But of late, another player is quietly emerging as one of the most important and irreplaceable pieces to the Miami puzzle.
Athletic PF Kamari Murphy and his ability to guard just about any position on the floor has helped the Hurricanes sparkle defensively in rallies over the past two contests Vs Princeton and Syracuse.
His stat line may not make you look twice.
On the season Murphy is averaging just 6.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 1.3 bpg.
However over his last two contests, he is an exceptionally efficient 9-12 from the floor and has collected 13 boards and 4 blocks, all while playing the stout defense that helped UM twice come from behind to record double digit victories.
Any scoring he provides is a bonus, and he even had a pretty assist that led to a McClellan fast break dunk in the second half Vs the Orange.
Not to mention his abilities above the rim are very aesthetically pleasing.
[ESPN Video] K. Murphy made Dunk. Assisted by J. Newton.: 2H (2:05) MIA Kamari Murphy made Dunk. Assist... https://t.co/fZFvmDgiKm #TheU
— Miami Hurricanes (@BR_Hurricanes) January 2, 2016
But this is a player who's value can not be measured in numbers. Even if his production is slowly catching up to his intangibles.
Check out his D below:
[ESPN Video] K. Murphy Blockto Rodriguez made jumper: 2H (15:01) MIA Kamari Murphy Block. https://t.co/OA88F3WkKH #TheU
— Miami Hurricanes (@BR_Hurricanes) December 30, 2015
Miami takes on FSU this Saturday at the BUC, 5PM EST on ESPN2.
Murphy will once again be a key cog Vs a long, athletic Seminoles team.
As UM makes its' way though the rigors of the ACC schedule, the junior transfer from Oklahoma State by way of Brooklyn, will continue to be extremely important.
Keep an eye on #21 this weekend, and going forward.