Above the Rim: KeShawn Murphy, Auburn's Spider-Man

AUBURN, Ala. – KeShawn Murphy makes a 3 from the top of the key, turns to Auburn’s student section and shoots imaginary webs as he backpedals on defense.

Spider-Man, welcome to the Jungle.

After four seasons at Mississippi State, the 6-10 senior from Birmingham returned to his home state, giving Auburn an invaluable post presence.

“I call it perfect timing,” Murphy said. “My physicality coming from State was a good thing to bring to this team.”

Murphy acquired his Spider-Man nickname in high school, first for the long hair he recently cut, but also for his on-court demeanor.

“How long and active I was,” he said. “How I move, it reminds you of a spider. My friends told me to run with it and I always ran with it. It’s blowing up. The fans love it and I love it, and I’m going to keep it going.”

Each time Murphy makes a big play, students in the Jungle, some holding spider signs, shoot pretend webs back at KeShawn.

“It’s like a family thing where everybody can contribute,” he said. “Even my teammates could do it, it’s for everybody. It’s a fun thing to do and I’m going to keep it going.”

Committed to the persona, Murphy has the ink to prove it.

“I put webs on my body to really take it there,” he said. “I might get more webs soon.”

Why Spider-Man? Why not another crime-fighting protagonist? 

“He’s the best hero of all time,” Murphy said. “I fell in love with Spider-Man and what he does for the neighborhood and the family. And my favorite color is red so we gel really well.”

From maroon and white to orange and blue, Murphy made a seamless transition to Auburn from Starkville.

“I’m glad to be here in this moment and I’m going to cherish every moment I have,” Murphy said. “Auburn was a place that I’ve always wanted to come to.” 

The opportunity arrived after Murphy averaged 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds last season at Mississippi State, production KeShawn has matched at Auburn after overcoming injuries.

“When I first got here, I had a knee surgery,” Murphy recalled. “Then I tweaked it again and that set me back a little bit. What really got me back healthy was consistency. I’ve continued to work on my game and my conditioning. As the season goes on, I’ve started to get back healthy. While I’m healthy, I’m confident in my game and I can produce even more.”

Teaming with Filip Jovic at the 5 position, the Tiger tandem combines for 16.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

“I’m excited for Filip and how much he’s grown,” Murphy said. “With us being behind each other, it’s the best thing for us. There are ways that he helps me and ways that I help him. We’ve been able to get better and keep producing in the SEC.”

At 36.7 percent from 3-point range, the former Ramsay High School standout ranks second on the team behind only Keyshawn Hall among players who average at least one 3-point attempt per game, making 11 of 30.

“Confidence,” Murphy said. “I work on every 3-point shot every day. It’s nothing new to me. Coming into college I was shooter. I got away from it because I developed a more physical game. I’ve always been a shooter. I feel I can knock down a lot of shots that I don’t take. I’m getting more comfortable and confident in my game and putting the work in.”

Murphy logged double-doubles in Auburn’s SEC wins over Arkansas and Ole Miss, helping the Tigers win four straight SEC games from mid to late January.

“Defense first,” Murphy said. “We’re starting to build that chemistry and growth in our team to where we understand what it takes to win. That’s one of the biggest keys. Good game plans from the coaches and good execution, staying on script and staying focused.”

Murphy recorded his third double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds against Alabama, a feat he hopes to duplicate when the Tigers visit Tuscaloosa March 7 in the regular season finale. 

“I know how important the rivalry is,” he said. “Growing up, it’s the only thing we pay attention to. Being from Alabama, that is the biggest rivalry of all time. Being able to play in the rivalry is big for my family, it’s big for me, and it’s big for the plot.”

About that plot, no one needs to remind Spider-Man what comes with great power.

“On the court, I want it to be known I’ll always play hard for the front and back of my jersey,” Murphy said. “I’m a leader.”

Off the court, Auburn’s Spider-Man gives way to Peter Parker, friendly and approachable, making time after games for fans outside Neville Arena.

“The coolest guy you could ever meet,” Murphy said of himself. “If you see me anywhere, you could always walk up to me. I’m not the famous guy or anything like that. I genuinely like conversations with regular people and people around me. We can always chitchat.

“This is something I’ll always thank God for. I’m so blessed to be able to show my gifts and talents and play at a high level here.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer