Charles “Stretch” Murphy
(1907-1992)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1960
Card Shown:
1986-2002 Hall of Fame Metallic
Position: C
Height: 6’6″
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Charles “Stretch” Murphy, a giant for his era at 6’6″, anchored the strong Purdue University teams of the late 1920s and 1930. Stretch was known for his strong defense and rebounding. His outlet passes initiated the fast-break style of basketball that Purdue became known for under Hall of Fame coach Ward “Piggy” Lambert.
Awards and Honors
- Murphy led Marion High School to the 1926 Indiana State basketball championship. In the final game, he defeated John Wooden and his Martinsville team by the score of 30-23.
- In college, Murphy and Wooden reunited at Purdue to form a dynamic duo that helped lead the Boilermakers to a Big-Ten championship and a 13-2 overall record in 1930.
- In 1929, Murphy set a Big-10 record with 143 points scored during the season.
- Stretch was named a Helms Athletic Foundation All-America selection in 1928, 1929, and 1930. Wooden was similarly honored by the HAF in 1930, 1931, and 1932.
- In 1963, Murphy was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
Points of Interest
- Murphy and Wooden will forever by linked because of their face-off in the Indiana state championship game in high school and their effective pairing in one of the golden ages of Purdue basketball.
- Around 15,000 fans packed the Indianapolis Exposition Center to watch Murphy and Wooden battle in the championship game.
- After graduating from Purdue, Stretch played professional basketball for the Chicago Bruins of the American Basketball League and the independent Indianapolis Kautskys.
- On the Kautskys, Murphy once again teamed with Wooden, earning $50 per game.
- Stretch coached at Edinburgh and Winchester high schools for a time during his playing career and later worked for the Boys’ Clubs of America as an executive director.
“Stretch” Murphy Cut Signature Card
“Stretch” Murphy Signed Hall of Fame Bookmark
Charles “Stretch” Murphy Videos
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