Collin Murray-Boyles emerges as contender for 2024-25 Oscar Robertson trophy

South Carolina sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles has been named to the 2024-25 Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List, recognizing him as one of the top 50 players in men's college basketball.

The Oscar Robertson Trophy, presented annually by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), honors the nation's most outstanding men's college basketball player. Being included on the midseason watch list highlights Murray-Boyles' significant contributions and standout performances for the Gamecocks this season.

Through the first 22 games of the season, Columbia, S.C. native Collin Murray-Boyles has been a dominant force for the Gamecocks, leading the team in scoring (15.5 PPG), rebounding (8.8 RPG), blocks (1.4 BPG), and steals (1.6 SPG, tied for the lead), while also ranking second in assists (2.5 APG).

Murray-Boyles boasts the best field goal percentage in the SEC (minimum five made field goals per game) at 59.7 percent (132-of-221), placing him 14th nationally. His career-best six double-doubles rank second in the SEC, trailing only Auburn’s Johni Broome. Additionally, he is one of just three Power Five players—alongside Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson and Maryland’s Derik Queen—averaging at least 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block per game while shooting above 50 percent from the field.

The USBWA will continue to monitor players' performances throughout the season before announcing finalists and ultimately selecting the recipient of the Oscar Robertson Trophy. Collin Murray-Boyles has firmly established himself as a strong contender. His all-around dominance makes him one of the most versatile and efficient performers in college basketball. Murray-Boyles has not only been a key piece in the Gamecocks’ success but also one of the most impactful players in the SEC.

If he continues this level of production, Murray-Boyles will remain a serious contender for the Oscar Robertson Trophy and other national honors.