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USF men’s basketball got some bad news tonight with the announcement that sophomore guard Jahmal McMurray requested and was granted a release from his scholarship. He is gone.
Per @USFCoachO, Jahmal McMurray has requested — and been granted — his release from @USFMBB
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) December 20, 2016
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Wow, this came out of no where. Per the release, McMurray requested the release and Coach Antigua granted it.
McMurray was suspended at season’s outset. No idea if this sudden departure is related. #USF
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) December 20, 2016
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As Joey Knight notes, McMurray was suspended for the first 6 games of the season due to a violation of team rules. Since returning though, the sophomore guard has been leading the USF offense, averaging 20.3 PPG (10 for 20 from 3-point range). In fact he was named AAC conference honor roll last week after putting up 25 points (5 for 7 from 3-point range) against South Carolina on Saturday.
As a freshman, McMurray was the lone bright spot in an ugly season. The Topeka, Kansas native averaged 15.2 PPG and was named AAC all rookie team. He was the best offensive weapon the team had and now, he’s gone. This came out of no where and its another big punch to the gut for the program, one that always seems to be struggling every single year.
By my count, McMurray is 13th @USFMBB player with eligibility remaining to leave team (or be kicked off) since Stan Heath’s dismissal.
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) December 21, 2016
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What can I say, it’s been a rough 2.5 seasons for Coach Antigua his staff. The top three scoring threats from the 2015 season, Chris Perry, Roddy Peters, and now McMurray, have left the program (or dismissed) while the program has seen at least 13 players overall leave since the departure of Stan Heath. The roster turnover has been rough for the Bulls and the lack of wins just adds salt to he wound.
by Matt Staton
SoFloBulls.com Columnist | @USFMatt
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