10 Questions with Shay Murphy

FeverBasketball.com: What has your experience been like so far playing in Spain?
Shay Murphy: “My experience so far in Spain has been mixed. There have been some good times and bad times. Last Season in Spain, I loved my teammates; we won alot of games and got to travel throughout Europe. But my team had money problems and had trouble paying the players and the city was located in the north therefore it was really cold and snowed a few times. As for this season in Spain, things for the most part are great. My team is finally connecting and playing well together. I am becoming more comfortable on and off the court. My club is very professional and it has been easy for me to leave our island of Mallorca and travel throughout Spain, visiting my friends all over. In general, my experience in Spain is way more positive than negative.”

FB: You have eight games with 20 points or more. How do you feel your performance has changed in the past few months?
SM: “My game has changed over the last few months in that I am more confident in my abilities offensively and defensively. I look to attack and contribute in different ways. I am using my pull-up jump shot more consistently. I also appreciate every minute on the court because I know that my opportunity as a professional basketball player will not last forever.”

FB: You have played professionally in Greece and now Spain, how have you been affected by the language barrier?
SM: “I previously played in Greece and now Spain. Both are two amazing countries that I really have enjoyed playing in and learning the culture and language. However, they do differ from each other in many different ways. I believe the biggest difference as a pro athlete is the style of play and the competition is way more competitive in Spain … but that’s just my personal opinion.”

FB: Being a California girl, what was one of the hardest things to adjust to in Indiana last summer?
SM: “The biggest adjustment I had to make was getting used to no beaches!!! I really enjoy laying out in the sun and riding my bike along the coast, things like that. But, luckily for me, Indiana has many lakes, and I was able to enjoy them with some of my teammates last summer.”

FB: When you are not on the court, what is something you enjoy doing?
SM: “When I am not on the court, I enjoy working out, going to the beach, hanging with friends, shopping, going to the movies, extreme sports, outdoor activities and most of all – SINGING and DANCING! Those are my two favorite hobbies. I really enjoy writing songs and composing little melodies and dance routines.”

FB: If you weren’t playing basketball, what type of job do you think you would have?
SM: “If I wasn't playing basketball, I believe I would be working in the entertainment industry. Either, with film, music or advertising. I really enjoy that type of field.”

FB: If you could go one-on-one with any NBA player who would it be and why?
SM: “If I could play any NBA player 1 on 1, I would have to choose Kobe Bryant. I think he is such an amazing basketball player and extremely talented. His competitive nature and his work ethic, even now, expires me. He never settles and isn’t ever satisfied. That is why he will continue and forever be GREAT! Plus, I believe I could score a point or two on him ... LOL!

FB: What are some of your pregame rituals or superstitions?
SM: “My pregame rituals are to attend shootaround, come back home and sleep, then show, then eat a pregame meal, then listen to Celine Dion's ‘Because You Loved Me’ and ‘Worship Music.’”

FB: What is one of the major differences of playing basketball in the U.S. versus overseas?
SM: “Playing basketball in the U.S is extremely competitive and more difficult than overseas, mostly because, in the U.S., everyone is competitive, athletic, big, fast and strong. Also, overseas, the majority of countries only allow 2-3 Americans on one team. The style of play is different in the U.S. because the games are more organized and called more closely. However, in Europe, there are no over the back calls and a spin move is often called a travel. Those are just a few major differences.”

FB: Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?
SM: “My biggest inspiration in life has to be my faith in Jesus Christ and the strength of my mother. With the blessings of the Lord, my mother was able to raise my brother and I alone, after my dad passed away. Witnessing my mom’s strength and her faith in the Lord encouraged me to believe that anything is possible and I could achieve my dreams. I am truly grateful for the Lord’s grace and mercy and for my mom’s unconditional love and support – which has made me the person I am today.”