Recall the Raven, Murphy Holloway. He talks about his temporary football hiatus after Ole Miss returned to Oxford.

Recall the Raven, Murphy Holloway. He talks about his temporary football hiatus after Ole Miss returned to Oxford.

Murphy Holloway, a native of Irmo, South Carolina, is well-known for being one of the most decorated players in Ole Miss men’s basketball history.

Holloway is Ole Miss’ all-time top rebounder to this day, raking in 1,093 rebounds in four years, which ranks 15th in SEC history as of 2023. With his pure physicality and tenacity down low, he more than made up for what he lacked at the free throw line and his height (6-7) for an outstanding SEC power forward.

He finished his career at Ole Miss after one of the best seasons ever for the program. Only one possession separated the 2013 Rebels from their second Sweet Sixteen appearance as they won a program record 27 games, captured the SEC Tournament Championship, and went to the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. All things considered, as a senior, he averaged 14.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.

But when he gave playing professional basketball a shot, football spoke to him.

“I was actually on Oxford Square when a Baltimore Ravens player approached me. He inquired as to my identity, and I believe they were here observing someone else. After I replied, “Yes, sir,” he mentioned having watched me play hoops during the previous few years. He believed that my size and build would allow me to play football, Holloway said to Inside the Rebels. “For a time, I kind of disregarded it, but then the Bucs hit me too. After that, I got several hits from other teams. I merely said, ‘What do you know? “I’ll try it out.”

All of a sudden, he would be juggling professional basketball and football exercises at the same time.

“After working with the on-campus football team, I would go to NBA workouts.” I would be working out for the Knicks and the Jets at the same time. It was a busy period “explained Holloway.

During this time, a number of prominent NFL tight ends, including Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham, had strong basketball backgrounds.

As expected, Holloway was not taken in the NFL Draft; nonetheless, he received an official invitation to training camp from the Ravens via phone call. Remember that Holloway last participated in football as a sophomore at South Carolina’s Dutch Fork High School. His physical attributes made him a veritable Swiss Army knife.

“You played a little bit of everything when you’re coming up and you’re athletic,” Holloway stated. “Despite my height, I played JV basketball in the eighth grade instead of middle school basketball. During that time, I experienced a growth spurt; in the eighth grade, I was roughly 6-5. I stopped developing by the tenth grade.”

Like it is now, the NBA Draft took place a few months after the NFL Draft. Basketball may have been more difficult for him because of his football practices, but he was prepared to go above and beyond to support his small family. Eventually, he knew he would succeed abroad if everything else failed.

“My height for my position worried them the most throughout the NBA application process. Some men have done it, but that presented its own set of challenges as I didn’t shoot many jump shots and didn’t have a strong free throw percentage. That, along with their lack of shooting ability and small stature, cost them. Their favorites were the toughness, rebounding, and motor. Not everyone can give you that. However, Holloway stated, “I knew that no matter what, I’d be a great overseas player, European style.”

“As the NBA workouts were happening, I just had a lot of questions. I was also entertaining football, so it also depended on how serious I was taking it. I simply told them the truth, stating that since I had children at a young age, I had to take the best possible care of them financially. Though I’m glad that everything worked out, perhaps things might have turned out differently if I hadn’t entertained football.”

The Ravens eventually cut Holloway. In retrospect, though, Holloway sees the advantages of playing two sports and juggling basketball and football in general.

“In general, football is a great assistance to basketball in life. Due to their hardiness, football and basketball should be played by all children. Playing football requires hardness, which you cannot escape. It also develops character. Football benefits from basketball since it can improve conditioning for both offensive and defensive play. One side cannot be played exclusively, “said Holloway.

Before retiring shortly before Chris Beard was hired at Ole Miss, Holloway played basketball for several different countries during the previous ten years. Before Beard himself gave Holloway an opportunity to return and assist his program as a graduate manager involved in the day-to-day development of players, Holloway had just reached out to welcome Beard to Oxford and offer his support.

Holloway obtained his sports administration certificate a year later. But that doesn’t imply he’s going anywhere just because he got that.

In 2024–25, Holloway will still remain in the Oxford area for the basketball season. Even while the particular description of his function is still pending at the time of writing, it will undoubtedly keep him busy.

This year, I’m actually playing a different role. I’m doing everything I can to support the boys. I work out, support the bigs, support the donors, and hang out with Keith (Carter)… merely representing the University of Mississippi. I adore it. “I’ve taken care of my family enough, but what really matters is being an ambassador for the school that allowed me to grow up and helped me become a man,” Holloway remarked. “… studying under Coach Beard is a terrific experience, even though I didn’t come here to be a GA. It goes beyond just hoops. You become adept at holding oneself responsible. He is not just a basketball instructor. He coaches people in life.

When I came here at the age of 18, they offered me the opportunity to pursue a degree. I was given the chance by Coach Kennedy to pursue a career in basketball while simultaneously taking care of my family. They’ve embraced me as an alumnus with open arms. I have everything I need from them now that the ball isn’t bouncing. “If you don’t want to come to Ole Miss, don’t take a visit,” stated Senquez Golson. It’s accurate. The true essence of this place is best experienced through sense rather than words. It’s distinct. We never lose a party, even if we lose a game. Oxford is the finest place to have a gathering.”