Murray State University Athletics
Racers announce signing Georgia prep star Marqise Wright
4/12/2005 11:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Head coach Mick Cronin said he's excited that Wright (6-6, 220) wants to play for Murray State.
"Marqise is a very mature young man with a great drive to be successful in everything he does," Cronin said. "Murray State fans will enjoy having him as a part of our family."
Wright's resume is impressive. He reached 1,000 points while still in his sophomore season and ended his career with more than 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. He did this even though he missed games as a junior with an ankle injury.
Wright's senior season was highlighted by earning a selection to the Georgia 3A all-state first team, and he was named the Gainesville Times Player of the Year.
He also had two games during which he scored 50 or more points, as he averaged 31.8 points,15.1 rebounds and six assists per game.
In March, Wright played his last game for Johnson High in the quarterfinals of the Georgia state tournament. He battled another of Georgia's top-ranked players, Octavius Spann, who signed with Georgetown. Johnson High lost the game on a tip-in at the buzzer, but Marqise led all scorers with 35 points and 15 rebounds.
Wright's coach at Johnson High Jeff Steele, said Wright had a good feeling about Murray State from the moment he stepped on campus.
"Marqise is the kind of kid who has to be comfortable in his surroundings," Steele said. "He went for a visit, and I think he was as much taken with their interest in him as a person as he was by their interest in him as a player."
Mick Cronin is excited about Wright's knowledge of the game.
"Marqise is a very skilled player with good size," Cronin said. "He was obviously a great scorer in high school, but he also has a high basketball IQ and makes great decisions with the ball. He is capable of scoring on the perimeter and using his strength to finish baskets inside while taking contact. His versatility will be a huge asset for us."
In the fall, the Racers will also welcome freshman Tyler Holloway. A 6-1 guard, Holloway played for Austin High School in Huntsville, Ala. He was named first-team all-state, and was a finalist for 6A Player of the Year in Alabama.
