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▶️ Show Notes
Join Cory Heitz as he sits down with Kenyon Murray, a former McDonald’s All-American, overseas pro, and father of NBA first-round twins Keegan and Kris Murray. Kenyon shares his unique journey—from a late start in basketball to becoming a standout at Iowa, playing professionally in Sweden, and coaching at the junior college level. He dives deep into the pivotal decision to send his sons to DME Academy for a post-grad year, a move that transformed their careers and led them to the NBA.
Kenyon’s story is a masterclass in finding the right fit, making tough decisions, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—both on and off the court. Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the prep-to-college pipeline.
If you’re serious about basketball development, this is a must-listen.
⏱️Timestamps:
(1:45) Kenyon shares his upbringing in Battle Creek, Michigan, and how he got into basketball.
(3:19) The pivotal moment in 8th grade that sparked Kenyon’s basketball commitment.
(4:20) Why Kenyon chose Iowa over Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, and Notre Dame.
(6:36) The best and most challenging parts of playing high-major D1 basketball in the Big Ten.
(8:37) Kenyon’s brief professional career: CBA, IBL, and playing in Sweden.
(10:20) The best and toughest parts of playing basketball internationally.
(14:34) The decision to send Keegan and Kris to DME Academy for post-grad: Research, visits, and financial considerations.
(18:02) What surprised Kenyon most about their post-grad experience at DME.
(19:40) How Iowa became the right fit for both sons, and the recruitment process.
(22:42) Were Keegan and Kris always going to college together? The truth about “package deals.”
(24:33) The moment Kenyon knew his sons had a real shot at the NBA.
(27:39) The “secret sauce” for NBA success: Love of the game and the process.
(31:01) The biggest challenges for young players transitioning to the NBA.
(36:49) Kenyon’s advice for families: How to own your player’s development and avoid common mistakes.
(41:02) JuCo vs. prep school: Who each path is best for, and breaking down stereotypes.
(47:38) Can JuCo coaches guarantee placement at the next level? The reality of recruiting promises.
(50:12) Quick hitters: Best player Kenyon ever played against (Grant Hill) and coached against (AJ Green).
(55:45) Kenyon’s passion project: A $10M sports complex for holistic athlete development in Eastern Iowa.
(57:45) Final thoughts on the future of prep school basketball and how it’s filling the gap in high school sports.
💡 Key Topics:
📌Prep school basketball vs. JuCo: Pros, cons, and who should consider each
📌The role of prep school in NBA development: Keegan and Kris Murray’s story
📌Balancing academics and athletics: Lessons from the Big Ten and beyond
📌International basketball: Cultural adaptation and career growth
📌NBA transition: The unseen challenges for rookies
📌Building a holistic athlete: Kenyon’s vision for the next generation
🗒️ About Kenyon Murray:
Kenyon Murray is a former McDonald’s All-American, University of Iowa standout, and professional basketball player in Sweden. After his playing career, he coached at Indian Hills Community College and is now a mentor, life coach, and keynote speaker. Kenyon is also the father of NBA first-round picks Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings) and Kris Murray (Portland Trail Blazers), both of whom attended DME Academy for a post-grad year before starring at Iowa. Kenyon is passionate about helping young athletes and families navigate the complex world of basketball development, emphasizing the right fit, academic-athletic balance, and long-term success.
🔗 Connect with Kenyon Murray:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/murrayelitebasketball/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kenyonmurray_/
Twitter | https://x.com/KenyonMurray_
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/michelle.murray.5070276
Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyonmurray/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast
Website | https://prepathletics.com/prep-athletics-podcast/
🏀About Us:
PREP Athletics is your trusted partner in navigating the prep school journey for your family. With over a decade of experience, I’ve successfully placed players in top prep schools, leveraging my own post-grad year experience and deep family ties to the world of prep school and professional basketball. Our mission is to guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring if prep school is the right path for you, we find the perfect fit to achieve your academic and athletic aspirations.
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