Crate signs, completes Racer roster

MBB: The New Zealand product played in the FIBA U19 World Cup last week

Lachlan Crate is the final piece to Murray State’s 2025-26 roster. (Photo: Murray State Athletics)

With the announcement of the signing of 6’8 forward Lachlan Crate, Ryan Miller’s first roster at Murray State is now finished.

Miller was in Switzerland last week watching Crate play with his native New Zealand in the FIBA U19 World Cup, where Crate helped his home country finish in 4th place.

"We are excited to welcome Lachlan Crate to the Murray State men's basketball program," Miller said in a statement. "His standout performance for New Zealand at the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland, highlighted his versatility and high basketball IQ. Lachlan's competitive edge will be a tremendous asset as we aim for success in the Missouri Valley Conference."

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In the World Cup, Crate averaged 10.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in the seven games he played. Crate shot 53.1% from the field in the tournament, including 70.0% (21-for-30) from two-point range.

Here is video of Crate playing with New Zealand’s U18 national team:

Here is an interview with Crate after he participated in the 2025 NBA Basketball Without Borders event that brought together 40 of the world’s top prep prospects:

Crate has played in the NBL, New Zealand’s top professional league, for the last three seasons, with both the Manawatu Jets and the Nelson Giants. This past season with the Giants, Crate averaged 5.9 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 58.5% from the field.

Murray State’s roster page also lists Dillon Butler, a 6’3 guard from Memphis. After the signing of Crate, the Racers’ roster is now at the limit of 15 for the 2025-26 season.

Here’s a look at Murray State’s 2025-26 completed roster:

• Ben Shtolzberg (6’4 senior guard/3.8 PPG last year at UC Santa Barbara)

• KJ Tenner (6’0 sophomore guard/2.4 PPG last year at West Virginia)

• Mason Miller (6’9 senior guard/1.1 PPG last year at Creighton)

• Fredrick King (6’9 senior forward/2.7 PPG last year at Creighton)

• JJ Traynor (6’9 senior forward/5.6 PPG last year at DePaul)

• Javon Jackson (6’3 senior guard/11.6 PPG last year at UIC)

• Layne Taylor (5’11 sophomore guard/17.4 PPG last year at Central Arkansas)

• Brock Vice (6’10 sophomore forward (1.2 PPG last year at North Texas)

• Brayden Shorter (6’5 junior guard/15.5 PPG last year at D-II Washburn)

• Dylan Anderson (7’0 junior forward/3.5 PPG last year at Boise State)

• Tristian Ford (6’3 incoming freshman guard)

• Mathis Courbon (6’6 incoming freshman guard)

• Roman Domon (6’10 incoming freshman forward)

• Dillon Butler (6’3 incoming freshman guard)

• Lachlan Crate (6’8 incoming freshman forward)