Tom Davis always looked for the "Wow!" factor when he recruited basketball players for the University of Iowa, guys with great character, ability and personality who gave the coach a certain "tingle" when he watched them.

Kenyon Murray was one of those guys and he enjoyed a terrific career for Dr. Tom and the Hawkeyes in the 1990's, one of only two players in school history who finished their playing days with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 steals.

Now Murray will be bringing that "Wow!" factor to the Metro Sports Report in his new role as General Manager of the Cedar Rapids website company.

"I always enjoyed working with Kenyon when I covered the Hawkeyes for The Gazette," said Jim Ecker, president of the Metro Sports Report. "He was always friendly, helpful and insightful about the games, whether Iowa won or lost.

"I developed a tremendous amount of respect for Kenyon during his career and we have become friends over the years. Now it is my pleasure to welcome him to our team here at the Metro Sports Report."

Murray, 40, will be heavily involved in advertising sales and special projects for the MSR. He has extensive experience in advertising and excellent contacts in the business community.

Murray is a native of Battle Creek, Mich., who was named Michigan's "Mr. Basketball" as a high school senior in 1992. He also was named the Nike, Converse and Gatorade Player of the Year that season.

Murray made the McDonald's, USA Today, Street & Smith and Parade All-American teams in high school and was awarded a Scholastic Honor Scholarship for having the highest GPA among all members of the McDonald's All-American team in 1992 with a 3.85 average.

Murray was a four-year starter at Iowa (1992-96) and ranks 20th in career scoring with 1,230 points. He was known for his great hustle, relentless effort and highly tuned basketball skills.

He got his bachelor's degree in English Literature from Iowa in 1997.

"Kenyon was a great teammate with the Hawkeyes. The team always came first and he took great pride in helping the Hawks succeed," said Ecker. "Now I'm delighted that he's a member of our team as we continue to grow and prosper."

Murray and his wife, Michelle, have three children - twin boys Kristopher and Keegan, 14, and 8-year-old daughter McKenna.

Murray is the director of the Legacy Basketball Academy and will continue in that role.