Murray finds purpose back in Tacoma

Photo by david B. Hardt

BACK HOME. Justin Murray has played the past two years in Dubai.

Justin Murray’s overseas basketball season in Dubai came to an end three weeks ago, and then just three nights later and more than 7,000 miles away, he was once again suiting up – joining the Tacoma Tide for its stretch run in the IBL season.

“It’s great to be back. I can’t wait to help contribute to my team in whatever way possible,” said Murray, just before scoring 26 points in his Tide debut June 6 against the Seattle Mountaineers.

Murray has played professional ball in Brazil, Kuwait, Jordan and Dubai during the past four years, and every summer he returns to Washington to play in professional summer leagues.

He suited up for the Bellevue Blackhawks of the ABA in 2005, and then the Seattle, Everett and Snohomish County IBL teams in the summers of 2006-08.

The Tacoma IBL team had lacked stability since the league formed in 2004, going through four ownership changes in as many years. Debuting as the Tacoma Thunder, the team has also been known as the Jets (2007) and as the Jazz of Tacoma (2008) before the Tide were formed this year when MVP Physical Therapy took over as the ownership group.

“The situation was never right in Tacoma before, whether it was the ownership or other things, it just wasn’t the right fit for me, but now it is. I want to be visible in the Tacoma community,” Murray said.

Murray has been reunited with his former high school coach from Life Christian Academy, Mark Lovelady, for whom he played from 1994-98.

“I have come full circle now. It’s not that often that someone can come back and play for their high school coach at the professional level. He is a big reason I got to where I am today,” Murray said.

Murray helped lead Life Christian to the state playoffs as a senior on his way to earning a second team all-league selection, and still holds many school records, including most career steals with 164.

Murray went to Peninsula College in Port Angeles for two years, before walking on at Washington State the following year.

“I was never blessed with as much skills or talent as everyone else, but it just made me work harder. All I know how to do is work, work, work,” Murray said.

The hard work has certainly paid off for Murray, allowing him to travel and see the world all while playing the game he loves.

“I love learning about and experiencing new cultures. I’m a people person, so it doesn’t really matter to me what country I’m in,” Murray said.

Murray, since 2007, has become one of the elite players in Dubai’s Division One League.

“I love it in Dubai. It’s very extravagant over there. Everything is over-the-top. A friend of mine once said if Las Vegas and Disneyland had a baby, it would be Dubai. I think that is a pretty good description,” Murray said. “It is definitely a place everyone should see before they die.”

Murray’s presence has been immediately felt for the Tide. His size and versatility gives them more options, since Murray can play multiple positions on both the offensive and defensive ends. In his first three games back, Murray was averaging 32.3 points and 10 rebounds.

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