Murray is Sidelined But Her Number Isn't

Jaelynn Murray won't be on the court for the UNC women's basketball team this season, but her No. 30 jersey will.

Shortly after entering Carolina's exhibition game against Wingate on Saturday, Murray, who was on defense, planted her foot to pivot and felt her knee pop. The junior forward fell to the court and was ultimately helped off. The diagnosis: a torn ACL, an injury to her right knee that will keep her out all year.

But junior center Janelle Bailey, her friend since they came on their UNC recruiting visit together and her roommate and teammate since arriving on campus in the fall of 2017, will wear jersey No. 30 in Murray's honor.

Murray will be listed as No. 44, Bailey's number, and the jersey change will be effective as UNC opens the season on Thursday, hosting Western Carolina at 6 p.m. at Carmichael Arena.

"I was flabbergasted when I heard," Murray said. "Janelle and I have been close for a couple years now – the bond has just gotten stronger and stronger over the years. To know that she'll honor me this way is very meaningful."

Bailey got the idea hours after Saturday's exhibition, when it was assumed but not known for sure that Murray's injury would keep her out. "I just wanted to do something for her," Bailey said. "She's passionate about the team and really into the game. She makes everyone feel better. I wanted to do that for her."

"I was so sad about Jaelynn and I get a text from Janelle that said, 'Coach, I want to change my number in honor of Jaelynn,'" UNC coach Courtney Banghart said. "What a wonderful thing to receive, just the sentiment behind her idea."

Bailey has worn jersey No. 44 since she was a freshman at Providence Day School in Charlotte. She started wearing it in honor of her older sister, Gigi, who also wore the number before she stopped playing basketball.

Playing in No. 44 at Carolina, Bailey earned Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year honors her first season at UNC, and was named second-team All-ACC last year. This fall, she's a preseason All-ACC pick.

"To basketball players, your number matters," Banghart said. "For Janelle, there's a reason she chose 44 in the first place and she's recognized as 44. And the fact that she so quickly wanted to change it for the year for Jaelynn says a lot about that Carolina family atmosphere that we have."

Murray played in 30 games last year and started two. She was expected to be a valuable piece of the Tar Heels' puzzle this season, and after her injury, that remains true.

"Jaelynn is the heart of the team," Banghart said. "The consistency with which she brings positive energy is remarkable. She's one of those players who can help you almost as much off the court as she can on. I feel horrible for her, but I'm grateful that her impact is so other-centered that she'll still be able to help us and be a part of the team."

Although it's only been a few days, Murray has already embraced her revised role.

"I feel like my role now is to be the biggest cheerleader," said Murray, who plans to provide insights as well as positive vibes. "I'm going to try to do my best to see what they don't see on the court. When I was on the court it's hard to see some things, but off the court it's easier to see those things, little things we need to win."

Eventually, she'll be able to help her team again with points and rebounds, and at that point she'll again play in jersey No. 30. Until then, she'll leave that to her friend.

"I want to represent her the correct way, whether it's in film or in a game or photos or whatever, I want to represent Jaelynn," Bailey said. "I'll switch back when Jaelynn is back."

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