March Madness: 5 players Pacers should watch in the NCAA tournament

3.  Kris Murray- F, Iowa; Projected Mid First Round

Kris Murray–twin brother of Sacramento Kings’ rookie Keegan Murray–has shown elevated levels of defensive awareness and offensive efficiency this season at Iowa.  Like Keegan, he’s a sound fundamental player capable of consistent contribution on both sides of the ball.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor describes Kris Murray as a “knockdown spot-up 3-point shooter with smooth mechanics of the catch. He doesn’t fly around screens but projects as a player who can hit basic shots off pick-and-pops and other movements.”

Murray is making 34% of his almost 7 3-point attempts per game this season.  While Kris is one of the oldest players projected to be in the draft pool, he’s shown great commitment to improving his game by returning to Iowa for another season.  He’d slot into the Pacers’ roster as 3-and-D wing with potential to develop as a self-creator and tough shot maker.

The 8-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes battle the 9-seeded Auburn Tigers at 6:50pm Thursday (3/16).