MANILA — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is banking on Jordan Murphy to help reverse its sluggish Governors’ Cup campaign, bringing in the Puerto Rican-Virgin Islander forward as its new import when PBA Season 50 action resumes next month.
Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone confirmed to Panay News that Murphy has arrived in the Philippines and will replace American Riley Grigsby, who reinforced Ginebra during its rocky 2-4 start in the season-ending conference.
“Yes, Jordan Murphy has arrived today and will be the new Ginebra import,” Cone said.
Murphy is expected to join the Gin Kings in practice Friday, giving the 6-foot-6 forward time to familiarize himself with Ginebra’s system before the Governors’ Cup resumes.
Cone believes Murphy’s versatility could make him a better fit for Ginebra’s trademark Triangle offense, particularly with his ability to operate both inside the paint and from the perimeter.
“He’s purported to be more of inside/outside operator which should fit our Triangle. We’ll know more when we get him into practice over the next several days,” Cone said.
Murphy played collegiate basketball for the University of Minnesota, where he established himself as a productive rebounder and inside scorer while developing the ability to operate away from the basket.
He went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft before pursuing a professional career in overseas leagues and the NBA G League.
Murphy’s arrival comes as Ginebra seeks to regain its footing after winning only two of its first six games with Grigsby as reinforcement.
The Gin Kings are defending their Governors’ Cup championship without longtime resident import Justin Brownlee, who has been sidelined by multiple injuries. Reports have also indicated that the veteran forward is considering retirement.
Murphy will now be tasked with quickly adjusting to Cone’s system and helping the Gin Kings revive their title-defense campaign when league action resumes.
Meanwhile, defending champion TNT Tropang 5G has also made an import change, tapping Nick Hornsby while awaiting the return of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson from an Achilles injury./PN
