Pelicans’ Trey Murphy Memorializes UVA Shooting Victims

Trey Murphy took a moment to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic shooting deaths of three UVA student-athletes that occurred earlier this week.

Lavel Davis, Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry were killed in the shooting Sunday night on a charter bus after students returned to campus from a field trip in Washington, D.C. Murphy called Davis “a good friend of mine” during his press conference. Murphy played at Virginia for his junior year in 2019-20.

“I was really sad to see him go,” Murphy said, per ESPN. “He was a really special guy. So please keep their families in your prayers. I’d appreciate that.”

Trey Murphy – who played one year at Virginia – said he dedicated these last two games to the 3 football players who lost their lives.

Murphy said he was good friends with Lavel Davis.

Asked everyone to continue to pray for all of the families of the victims.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) November 17, 2022

After news of the shooting broke on Monday, Murphy tweeted, “Pray for your friends at UVA. Check on your friends at UVA.”

Murphy said he dedicated his last two outings to Davis, Chandler, and Perry. During those outings, Murphy posted 13 points in a win over the Grizzlies and then his first career double-double, a 19 point and 10 rebound outing, against the Bulls in a 124-110 win.

first career double-double means we dancin’ around Trey 😂#Pelicans | @JenHale504 pic.twitter.com/Ro2AfJ30R9

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 17, 2022

On Wednesday, Murphy started his second consecutive game for the Pelican due to Zion Williamson suffering a contusion in his right-foot. He went 5-6 on three-pointers, including one from 34 feet. Murphy also tied a career-high with three steals and had a block that led to a ferocious over Nikola Vucevic.

“He’s just been getting better and better,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “He’s locked in, he’s focused. Defensively he’s flying around, blocking shots and rebounding the ball. And the ball finds energy. We know Trey can shoot the ball. He can shoot the cover off of it. When guys get into the paint, guys are looking for him and he’s getting to the right spots.”

CHILLLLLLL TREY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hbxRPnBzfF

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 17, 2022

New Orleans (9-6) moved to three games over .500 for the first time since Nov. 19, 2018 — a span of 303 games. They are set to host the Celtics on Friday.