Kenyon Murray: NBA Father & Prep School Expert on Player Development Pathways

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.

💡 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/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 #AmazonMusic