Domon 'just scratching the surface'
MBB: The French freshman had double-doubles in both of Murray State's exhibition wins
Roman Domon isn’t your ordinary college freshman. At 6’9, he certainly turns heads walking into a room. On the basketball court, his play has caught the attention of the Racer Nation as well. Domon, who turned 20 earlier this month, has played professionally in his home country of France since he was 16. In two exhibition games in the last ten days, Domon has showcased the skillset that has him on some 2026 NBA Draft boards.
“When we recruited him, when we watched him play, he reminded me a lot of my brother Mike when he was in high school,” Murray State Head Coach Ryan Miller said. “His ability to defensive rebound and push breaks, his ability to be a versatile player on the perimeter. Mike obviously developed into one of the better three-point shooters in the NBA, but Roman can go on the same trajectory.”
In Murray State’s two exhibition games against Xavier and Northern State, Domon grabbed 20 rebounds in 47 minutes of playing time. His ability to rebound on the defensive end and then start the Racer fast break was shown time and again against Northern State.
“He has unique size, unique versatility, ability to guard multiple players on the court, ability to be able to defensive rebound and push your break,” Miller said. “When you can have a 6’9 guy, whatever level it is, defensive rebound and push breaks, you’re already playing advantage-basketball to some degree. He presents a unique ability out there that most teams don’t have, and we are very fortunate to have him. The best thing about Roman — he’s just scratching the surface.”
For all of his physical gifts, Domon is still a work in progress with his perimeter shooting. Playing professionally for Gravesline in France last season, Domon made 28.1% (16-for-57) of his shots from beyond the arc. In the FIBA U20 EuroBasket tournament this summer, he knocked down just 23.7% (9-for-38) from three-point range.
Against Northern State, Domon drilled three of his four attempts from deep. If he’s able to consistently unlock that part of his offensive game, combined with his ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket, Domon will present a massive challenge to opposing defenses.
“I think he’s a good shooter,” Miller said. "I think if you look back at his shot selection, whether it was international or with his club team in France, he took a lot of tough shots. We’re hopefully getting him the right shots so he can be a really, really efficient three-point shooter, then be able to attack with his versatility at the rim and his athleticism at the rim and just his playmaking. He’s our best passer, probably, too. Take some of those hard plays out of his game, whether it’s shot selection or passing, (and we can make) his game a little more efficient. The kid has so much potential.”
On the defensive end, Miller has used Domon at the front of Murray State’s full-court pressure to utilize his length and wingspan. That pressure is a key component of Miller’s overall defensive philosophy, and he knows Domon can be a disruptive force for the Racers.
“We want to be in our opponent’s face for 40 minutes of the basketball game,” Miller said. “We don’t want to take unwarranted gambles, but we want to make our presence known for 40 minutes. At times, we did that (against Northern State), and at times we didn’t. When you have length and size at the top end of it, it just takes the steam out of the offense, and that’s what we’re ultimately trying to do. We’re not trying to let our opponents be comfortable. Northern State was a little too comfortable at times (Sunday) night, which I didn’t like, but over the course of a game, we did a fairly good job. Our challenge to our team, as we go through this journey, starting with Omaha, is making sure our team makes our opponents uncomfortable from the moment that ball is tipped.”
Domon and the Racers will open their season on Monday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota against Omaha.
Any word on fred king status?