Arizona freshman guard Brayden Burries has drawn significant attention following a remarkable stretch over the past 24 games, prompting ESPN Big XII analyst Fran Fraschilla to liken him to Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray. Burries has surged after a slow start to the 2025-26 season, showcasing the type of shooting and scoring ability that has captured the eye of scouts and analysts alike.
During this recent period, Burries is averaging 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He has been exceptionally efficient, shooting 52.0 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc, while converting 78.2 percent of his free throws. His effective field goal percentage stands at 59.6, highlighting his offensive prowess.
From Early Struggles to Recent Success
Burries’ early-season numbers contrast sharply with his recent production. In the first five games, he averaged only 7.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 steals, shooting 33.3 percent on overall field goals and just 29.4 percent from three-point range, with a free throw percentage of 66.7. His effective field goal percentage during that span was 39.3, illustrating the stark improvement he has made.
For comparison, Jamal Murray’s single collegiate season at Kentucky in 2015-16 saw him average 20.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals, with shooting splits of 45.4 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from three, and 78.3 percent at the free-throw line, culminating in a 55.6 effective field goal percentage.
“On an unselfish @ArizonaMBB team with nearly seven double figure scorers, @BraydenBurries is on a “heater.” 20+ in 10 of last 24. He has an “NBA game” & scores like Jamal Murray did at @KentuckyMBB. He selected after Chris Dunn and Buddy Hield. Scary how talented he is.” — Fran Fraschilla, ESPN Big XII Analyst
Physical and Draft Profile Similarities Between Burries and Murray
Burries and Murray share similar measurements, standing 6’4“and 6’5” respectively, with Burries weighing 205 pounds compared to Murray’s 207. Burries was considered the 10th best prospect and the second-ranked combo guard in the 2025 recruiting class. Murray entered the 2015 class as the 11th-ranked prospect and the top shooting guard.
After one season at Kentucky, Murray was selected seventh overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by Denver. Burries is projected by many to be a middle-first-round pick in the 2026 draft, fitting the mold of a modern NBA combo guard who can both score and facilitate for teammates.
Jamal Murray’s NBA Achievements
Throughout his nine NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Murray has become a standout figure, despite missing the 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury. He holds career averages of 18.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His shooting splits include 45.8 percent from the field, 38.7 percent on three-pointers, and an elite 87.2 percent from the free throw line, resulting in a 53.3 effective field goal percentage.
Relevance of Other Comparisons: Dunn and Hield
Fraschilla also mentioned Chris Dunn and Buddy Hield when discussing Burries’ draft positioning. Dunn, known as a traditional point guard, made a significant impact at Providence later in his collegiate career, averaging 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over four seasons. He was drafted fifth overall by Minnesota in 2016.
Buddy Hield, a prolific scorer at Oklahoma, averaged 17.4 points and 5.0 rebounds, helping lead the Sooners to the 2016 Final Four. He was selected sixth by New Orleans in the same draft. Burries’ association with these players suggests he is among an elite class of guards who combine scoring with playmaking.
The Future Outlook for Burries
Brayden Burries’ versatile skill set and recent surge in performance position him well as a promising NBA prospect. His ability to create his own shot, efficiently score, and distribute the ball aligns with the demands of today’s league. A strong showing in the NCAA Tournament could further elevate his draft stock, potentially landing him in the lottery range.
As Burries continues to build on his momentum with Arizona, comparisons to established players like Jamal Murray underscore the high expectations surrounding his potential impact at the professional level.
On an unselfish @ArizonaMBB team with nearly seven double figure scorers, @BraydenBurries is on a “heater.” 20+ in 10 of last 24. He has an “NBA game” & scores like Jamal Murray did at @KentuckyMBB. He selected after Chris Dunn and Buddy Hield. Scary how talented he is.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) March 1, 2026
