Calvin Murphy

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15 Mar 2024

Calvin Murphy

Calvin Jerome Murphy, born on May 9, 1948, is renowned as an American former professional basketball player who enjoyed a prolific collegiate career at Niagara University. Over his three years at Niagara, Murphy showcased his scoring prowess by averaging an impressive 33.1 points per game. Following his stellar college career, Murphy transitioned to the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he played as a guard for the San Diego/Houston Rockets from 1970 to 1983.

Despite standing at a height of only 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters), Murphy defied expectations and carved out a remarkable career in professional basketball. His stature earned him the distinction of being the shortest NBA player ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, Murphy made history by participating in an NBA All-Star Game, a feat that highlighted his exceptional talent and skill on the basketball court. Although his status as the shortest NBA player inducted into the Hall of Fame has since been tied by Isaiah Thomas in 2016, Murphy's legacy remains iconic in the annals of basketball history.
In addition to his illustrious playing career, Murphy has continued to contribute to the basketball community in various capacities. Currently, he serves as a member of the Houston Rockets' AT&T SportsNet TV broadcast team, where he brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront, enriching the viewing experience for fans and audiences alike.

Before embarking on his illustrious basketball career, Calvin Murphy first gained recognition as a world-class baton twirler. Despite initially feeling reluctant, Murphy was introduced to baton twirling by his mother, who, along with her sisters, were avid twirlers themselves. Murphy's natural talent and dedication to the craft quickly propelled him to success.
In 1963, as an eighth-grader, Murphy clinched a national championship in baton twirling, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey in the sport. His exceptional skills as a twirler earned him widespread acclaim and invitations to showcase his talents at major sporting events, including the prestigious 1964 New York World's Fair.
Even amidst his burgeoning basketball career, Murphy's passion for baton twirling remained evident. In 1977, during the pinnacle of his basketball stardom in Houston, Murphy secured victory in the Texas State Men's Twirling Championship, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted athlete with extraordinary abilities.

Transitioning to basketball, Murphy continued to excel on the court, particularly during his tenure at Norwalk High School. He garnered numerous accolades, including being named All-State three times and All-America twice. Recognizing his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport, Murphy was honored with inductions into prestigious institutions such as the Connecticut Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the recipient of the Connecticut Sportswriters Gold Key Award.
In a fitting tribute to his legacy, Norwalk High School renamed its address to 23 Calvin Murphy Rd. as a testament to Murphy's enduring impact and achievements in both baton twirling and basketball.

Calvin Murphy's collegiate career at Niagara University solidified his status as one of basketball's most electrifying talents. Over the course of his time at Niagara, Murphy established himself as a three-time All-American, leaving an indelible mark on the program's history.
In a remarkable display of scoring prowess, Murphy amassed an impressive total of 2,548 points in just 77 games, boasting a remarkable scoring average of 33.1 points per game. Among his many stellar performances, one standout game was his extraordinary 68-point explosion against Syracuse University at Niagara's Gallagher Center, etching his name in the annals of basketball lore.

Murphy's leadership and skill were instrumental in guiding Niagara to the 1970 NCAA tournament, where they made a memorable run to the second round before ultimately falling to Villanova. Throughout his collegiate career, Murphy garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, earning comparisons to basketball luminaries such as Pete Maravich and Rick Mount, both of whom were also NCAA Men's Division I Basketball All-Americans during Murphy's tenure.
Off the court, Murphy's affiliation with the Alpha Nu Omega chapter of the Iota Phi Theta fraternity further highlighted his commitment to excellence and brotherhood. Alongside fellow future Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, Murphy's initiation into the fraternity underscored his status as not only a basketball legend but also a respected figure within the community.

Calvin Murphy's NBA career with the San Diego/Houston Rockets was marked by impressive achievements and contributions to the team's success. Drafted as the first pick in the second round of the 1970 NBA draft, Murphy wasted no time in showcasing his talents, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie team in his debut season.
Standing at just 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), Murphy defied expectations with his quickness and defensive prowess, carving out a niche as one of the league's most tenacious guards. Throughout his career, he displayed a remarkable ability to score and facilitate, with highlights including a career-high 57-point performance against the New Jersey Nets in 1978 and an All-Star selection in 1979.

Murphy's impact extended beyond individual accolades, as he played a pivotal role in the Rockets' postseason success. Notably, he led the team to the NBA Finals in the 1980-81 season, delivering standout performances such as his 42-point outburst in a crucial Game 7 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Renowned for his exceptional free-throw shooting, Murphy set NBA records for most consecutive free throws made and highest free throw percentage in a single season (1980–1981), underscoring his precision and reliability from the charity stripe. Despite his stature, Murphy's fearless demeanor and physical playing style earned him the reputation of an "enforcer" on the court.
Murphy's impact on the Rockets franchise extended beyond his playing days, as he set numerous records within the organization, including that of all-time leading scorer. His contributions to the game were duly recognized with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, cementing his status as one of the NBA's most iconic figures.