GALLERY: ‘The Overlooked’ Holds Open Practice in Murray
MURRAY — More than 150 fans were on hand at the CFSB Center during Monday’s practice for “The Overlooked” — Murray State’s miffed band of chip-on-the-shoulder guys preparing for their first-ever entry into The Basketball Tournament, a 64-team field with a $2 million winner-take-all prize at stake.
Even with the first round less than a week away, “The Overlooked” roster remains incomplete. But the guys already on board looked solid in exhibition, particularly in the post. Ivan Aska, Jonathan Fairell, Ed Daniel and Brandon Garrett all scored relatively at will, in what could be a run-and-gun offense with high transition, multiple passes and a bevy of slip screens forcing perimeter defenses to make tough choices.
Shaq Buchanan, one of the youngest players on the team alongside former LeTourneau University star and 2020 Division III Player of the Year Nate West, will be one of the key guards alongside former Racers in BJ Jenkins, Donte Poole and — perhaps — some surprise additions to roster.
“The Overlooked” was originally slated to be coached by Bryan Sherrer before other obligations arrived, lending to former Racer and Fulton County star Jeff McClain taking over head honcho duties.
Meanwhile, Terrence Miles — soon bound for J.B. McNabb Middle School in Montgomery County after lengthy careers for Murray State and Murray Independent School District — remains as an assistant, and he was particularly pleased with Monday’s unselfishness and ball movement.
It’s worth noting the Racers have a precarious path ahead of them inside the Illinois regional at Peoria. Should they moved past No. 11 Heartfire in Saturday’s 4 p.m. matchup on ESPN3, it’s likely the No. 6-seeded “Overlooked” will have to face No. 3 seed “Boeheim’s Army” next Monday — a group of Syracuse alumni that boasts an incredible amount of talent.
Regardless, after years of speculation and pleas from the public, Murray State men’s basketball finally has a TBT squad to call its own.
for those who inquired. 