There's a logjam of perimeter players on the George Mason basketball roster as Kameron Murrell is well aware. The sophomore played all of three minutes in a season-opening loss to Towson.
When the Patriots took to the court again Tuesday, against Division III Lebanon Valley, he wound up as a hero, scoring 15 points and playing strong defense in 25 minutes in a 90-65 victory that was more suspenseful than the final score.
Murrell provided a textbook example of what coach Dave Paulsen preached at the pre-games shoot-around that included lessons from Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, focusing as much on Covey's Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence as well as offensive and defensive strategy.
"We all have these things that concern us," Paulsen said, citing examples such as health and success as student-athletes. "But what are the things we can control to widen our circle of influence as opposed to some of the dysfunctional behavior all of us make – giving excuses, bad body language or lack of work ethic. What can you do to improve your situation? Have a great attitude, work hard, be coachable, be ready when your time comes. Get extra shots in.
"We called on (Murrell) and he played great. He was nothing short of phenomenal. He's been that way all pre-season. He's worked really hard. He's grown up a ton since last year."
Mason trailed 43-33 at halftime and the margin would have been greater without Murrell's two three-pointers in three attempts. He wound up 3-for-6 beyond the arc while the rest of the team was 0-for-12.
"I wasn't necessarily looking for a shot," Murrell said. "I was looking for the right play.
"I shot very well in high school. I struggled last year. During the offseason, I worked extremely hard to get my shot back. I feel my role is an energizer. When we're lacking energy as far as a spark, I feel I can bring that sometimes."
Paulsen appreciated Murrell's defense. He slowed down LV guard Sam Light, who had 12 of his team-high 19 points in the first half.
"The big thing was that he did the best job of guarding that kid (Light)," Paulsen said. "I give (Murrell) a lot of credit."
Now it's back to the grind as the season resumes tonight at 7:30 pm against Mount St. Mary's at EagleBank Arena. Murrell will be vying for playing time with nine other perimeter players.
"It's exciting and very competitive, which I love," Murrell said. "You know that every day you go out, you have to give it your all. Otherwise, you'll get exposed."
Paulsen appreciates Murrell's Circle of Influence work as much as his shooting and defense. When Murrell got the call Tuesday, he was prepared.
"Hopefully that's a good lesson for him and a good lesson for our other 13 guys," Paulsen said.
Beyond the arc: Towson coach Pat Skerry was more impressed with Mason in the season-opener for both teams than he was with fellow A-10 teams Richmond and St. Joe's, both of whom the Tigers scrimmaged. "I thought (Mason) was better, more athletic," said Skerry, whose team beat Mason 67-61. "We handled (Richmond, St. Joe's) both pretty easily. Mason's going to be good. They guard you and play smart on offense." … Paulsen knows that DIII teams can beat DI opponents. He coached his alma mater, Williams, to a win against Holy Cross. He didn't read the Patriots the riot act at halftime against LV. "I really didn't scream, did I," he said. "That was only going to make them more tense. We had to step up our urgency on the defensive end and relax on offense. The first half we had it inverted."
