Over three seasons at Georgetown from 1936 through 1939, Joe Murphy established himself as one only one of Georgetown's best guards of the era, but among the best in the East.

Murphy scored in double figures in 17 of his 65 games, opening with 11 points in an upset of NYU that was Georgetown's first appearance at Madison Square Garden, and 18 the following year, also against NYU. A runner-up in scoring his sophomore year, Murphy led the Hoyas in scoring in 1938 with a 7.8 average, and was selected to the first team All-Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball Conference (EIBC). With the honor, Murphy became only the second Georgetown player honored with a first team selection.

Murphy's experience and point production paved the way for the 1938-39 team which tied for the EIBC title, the first team title for Georgetown in 27 years. He scored in double figures nine times that season, including 14 points versus Syracuse, 11 in a win over Maryland, and 15 over Penn State. The 6-0 senior was again selected All-EIBC at the conclusion of his senior season, and finished fifth in all-time in scoring to date, second among players from the 1930's.