Chico Carter (Columbia, South Carolina), Demond Robinson (Montgomery, Alabama) and Matthew Smith (Charlotte, North Carolina) join the Racers in 2019.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chico Carter, Demond Robinson, Matthew Smith, and their families to Murray State University," McMahon said. "We are extremely excited about the impact these three talented young men will have on our program."
Chico Carter – 6-3 – Guard - Cardinal Newman HS – Columbia, S.C.
Chico Carter, out of Cardinal Newman High School, led the Cardinals in scoring as a junior in 2017-18 with 21.8 points per game, to go with 5.2 rebounds per game and 4.7 assists per game. Carter scored more than 20 points in 19 games and had two games of 30 point scoring.
"Chico is a strong point guard who can really score and also possesses excellent play-making ability," McMahon said. "He will bring leadership skills and a tremendous work ethic, both on and off the court, to Murray State."
"I'm in my third year with Chico and this entire time he's been a great floor leader and has improved in each season," said Coach Phillip Deter. "He's always looking to create for his teammates and he's had the experience of playing with some other great players in our program. He led the midlands area of South Carolina in scoring (for both public and private schools) and his assist-turnover ratio was the best in state."
"He's got an outstanding attitude for improvement," Deter added. "He shows up early and stays late and he leads by example both on the court and in the classroom."
Carter and his teammates will be looking for a third-straight trip to the South Carolina State Tournament in class 3A this season.
Demond Robinson – 6-8 – Forward - Lee HS - Montgomery, Ala.
Out of Lee High School, Demond Robinson was named All State in Alabama class 7A, the largest classification in the state as a junior in the 2017-18 season. He scored 15 points per game for the Generals and grabbed eight rebounds per game. He also led his team in steals and blocked shots.
"Demond is a powerful and skilled forward who can score in a variety of ways," McMahon said. "He has a 7'5 wing span that will allow him to help our team at both ends of the court. He'll add great personality and charisma to our locker room and campus."
"Demond is an awesome young man of great integrity and character," said Coach Bryant Johnson. "I've had the privilege of coaching him since he was a freshman and he's started every game for me. He's grown as a human being every year and he's always a great teammate. Demond has increased his shot range in the last few years and he's one of the best-rounded forwards that you'll find."
"Murray State is a great fit for Demond," Johnson added. "He came back from his visit with the feeling that everyone there welcomed him with open arms and it was a place he wanted to be. Coach Long and Coach McMahon did a great job in his recruitment."
Robinson will likely surpass the 1,000 point mark this season and also become the school's all-time leader in blocked shots and rebounds. In a program that has been ranked among the best in the state in all three of his seasons as a varsity player, Robinson can finish as part of the winningest class in program history.
Matthew Smith – 6-6 – Forward - Independence HS - Charlotte, N.C.
Matthew Smith was part of a North Carolina State class 4A championship in the state's highest classification as a junior in 2017-18 when the Patriots were 31-1. He averaged 12 points per game and nine rebounds per game.
"Matthew is a winner who plays with great energy and toughness on the court," McMahon said. "We love his athleticism and versatility at the forward position. We look forward to him making an impact in our front court and our community."
"Matthew is a versatile, long and athletic kid," said Coach Preston Davis. "He can stretch the defense with his shot and he's got a great motor and a very good skill set. He's a great young man and is excellent in the classroom and is an honor roll student."
"Our kids really bought in last season and didn't care who got the credit and won the title," Davis added. "They just wanted to win and Matt Smith was a big part of that. He's seen what it takes to win for a long time since he was a ball boy here growing up and that attitude will help him as he comes to a program like Murray State."
