USC’s Murray to Transfer to Louisville Next Fall

After two frustrating seasons at USC, sophomore guard Cameron Murray will transfer to Louisville next fall.

Murray, who started most of last season at point guard for the Trojans, visited the Louisville campus earlier this month and signed the transfer papers Saturday.

“I’m happy with my decision and I’m looking forward to making the move,” said Murray, who averaged nine points and six assists last season. “This will be a good experience for me because I’ve never been away from home.”

Murray, who graduated from Glendora High as the third-leading scorer in state history, is still enrolled at USC and will take his last final exam next week. He considered offers from Kansas, Michigan State and New Mexico before deciding to play for Louisville Coach Denny Crum, whom he has known since the Cardinals recruited his older brother, Tracy, in 1989.

“I was introduced to Louisville when Tracy was coming out and then they recruited me when I was in high school,” said Murray, who will sit out next season and will be eligible for the 1997-98 season as a junior. “They plan to play me at point guard and next year I will get a chance to practice against an established player in DeJuan Wheat.”

USC freshman Maurice Strong, a reserve forward last season, also is transferring. He committed to Western Kentucky during a visit to the campus last weekend, USC sources said.