In February, we welcomed Trey Murphy III, ‘18, shooting guard for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, back to his home court to retire his varsity basketball jersey. Murphy was joined by fellow alums, family, friends, and the entire CA community in a spirited celebration of his exceptional legacy.

Emceed by the late Josh Rowsey, ‘09, the ceremony featured a congratulatory video tribute from teammates and coaches past and present; speeches from friends, family, and former coaches; and an audience Q&A with Murphy, hosted by Kelly Bright, ‘17. After a formal dedication of Murphy’s jersey by Director of Athletics Kevin Jones, Murphy delivered an inspirational and heartfelt address to the gathered crowd before hitting the court for a 3-point shooting contest with members of CA’s JV and varsity basketball teams.

Murphy’s contributions to CA’s basketball program are legion. His junior and senior years (2017 and 2018) were marked by standout performances on the court, earning him the title of All-Conference player and acclaim for his skills and dedication to the sport. Beyond the titles, Murphy etched his name in CA’s history books by setting several school records, many of which still stand today, including

• 137 Free Throws Made in a Single Season,

• 154 Field Goals Made in a Single Season,

• 301 Career Free Throws Made,

• 400 Career Field Goals Made, and

• 225 Career 3-Pointers Made.

Surpassing the 1,000-point career milestone, Murphy concluded his time at CA with a remarkable total of 1,326 career points.

Since his high school days, Murphy has continued to shine on the court. Impressive performances at Rice University and the University of Virginia propelled him to become a first-round NBA draft pick in 2021. Now, as a shooting guard with the New Orleans Pelicans, Murphy’s outstanding performances have earned him recognition within the NBA community.

While Murphy is undoubtedly a fan favorite on the court, his advocacy and community work make waves off the court. A strong proponent of using his platform to effect meaningful change, Murphy actively engages in community work, focusing on youth mentorship and educational initiatives. He regularly hosts basketball clinics and supports local charities to uplift and inspire young people in his community.

“Retiring Trey Murphy’s jersey is not just a recognition of his individual achievements, but a symbolic gesture that cements his legacy in the annals of Cary Academy’s rich history,” offered Lason Perkins, Murphy’s Varsity Head Coach. “It serves as a reminder to current and future students that greatness is not only measured by points on a scoreboard, but by the positive impact one leaves on the lives of others.”