Every Monday, TCNJ Athletics will check in with an alum from one of its programs. Today, it's Eric Murdock Jr., a 2018 graduate of the TCNJ men's basketball team.

Murdock Jr. was one of the best to ever play for the Lions. He owns the program's all-time record in assists with 512 in his career. Murdock Jr. ranks third all-time in TCNJ history in scoring with 1,550 points and eighth all-time in rebounds with 514 boards. He was a three-time All-NJAC honoree and three-time all-region honoree.

After graduating, Murdock Jr. transitioned to the TCNJ coaching staff. He was a part of the staff that coached the 2019-20 team to the program's first NJAC Championship since 1997-98.
 
In a paragraph or two, talk about what you've done since you've left TCNJ:

• Since I left TCNJ, I started a basketball academy in my hometown of Bridgewater called 'Coach EM Up'. My dad and I run it together and we host different clinics, small group trainings, and private trainings. We decided that we wanted to give back to our community and share some of the basketball knowledge that we both acquired throughout our careers. I also handle the social media accounts as well as all the video editing for marketing purposes. It is awesome working with young players with varying skill sets and developing them all.

 
What has been your favorite professional experience?

• I would say watching a player gain confidence when they notice that they have improved or learned a new basketball move. The pure joy you see when a player realizes that they can achieve whatever they want if they put the work in is an awesome experience!

 
Do you stay in contact with any of your old teammates or coaches?

• Of course! We still have all of our team GroupMe chats, and there's usually a sporting event that would attract some traffic in the chats. Also, some of my closest friends are my former teammates. Coach Goldsmith will always be one of my top role models for all he has done for me as a player and a coach, so we are always in contact. I also talk to Coach Elberg almost every day, we always had a great relationship through hoops. Spending a year coaching alongside Evan was an awesome experience, and now I consider him to be one of my best friends.

 
What is one thing you miss most about playing sports at TCNJ?

• I'll always miss a packed Packer Hall. Nothing was better than a big rivalry game or a top ranked team coming into our gym. The fans always showed out and it always felt like the biggest game of our lives.

 
What about what you miss most about being a student at TCNJ, either academically or socially?

• As a student, I miss the community. TCNJ was a perfect fit for me. I've met so many amazing people throughout my four years, and that's because the community was so close as a whole. It was so easy to make new friends and build relationships. I'm thankful for all of the people that I've crossed paths with.

 
What was it like for you to transition from a student-athlete to a coach at the same place that you graduated from? The 2019-20 season was a historic one for the TCNJ men's basketball program. What was that experience like for you to be a part of such a memorable season?

• The transition was interesting at first. Having a coaching role with players that were once my teammates took a bit to adjust to. However, I think that it was part of the reason the 2019-20 season was so special. As a player that was close to winning a NJAC championship, I knew how hard it would be to get the job done. So, having that experience, I was able to share some the tactics that were successful throughout my career and also some of the mistakes and shortcomings that I experienced as well. TCNJ was a perfect storm that year, and I'm happy that I was there to be a part of history. That year was special and is now the blueprint for future Lions.

 
What is your favorite memory as a TCNJ athlete either in competition, in practice, traveling or socially?

• My favorite experience was my sophomore year playoff run to the NJAC Finals. It was Coach Goldsmith's first year at TCNJ, and we were a team that was supposed to be out of contention in the first round. A lot of teams took us lightly that year, and we played our best ball at the right time. We ended up losing the final game to Stockton, but just the experience in itself was career-changing for me. Anyone that has played NJAC hoops will tell you that it is a tough league to win in.

 
Is there anything your coaches said during your playing career that still sticks with you now?

• Our team's mantra, "FAM1LY". I truly believe that all of my teammates and coaches were a part of my family, and I know they'd have my back whenever I needed them. It goes both ways and those guys know I have their backs too!

 
What would you say to a student-athlete who is considering attending TCNJ?

• TCNJ is a special place. The school really does a great job of putting you on the right path to have a great career post-college. Athletically, TCNJ is one of the top schools nationally, winning here is the pinnacle of success! Not too many places will challenge you like TCNJ will.

 
Do you have any advice for current TCNJ student-athletes?

• Being a student-athlete is hard, but the reward is worth it. Also, remember to take a step back and appreciate the little moments that happen throughout your college years.

 
Anything else, feel free to add now:

• GO LIONS! #BeUncommon