Love and basketball: Collin Murray-Boyles and Chloe Kitts share Draft night magic

A Night to Remember for Gamecock Nation

When former Gamecock forward Collin Murray-Boyles heard his name called as the No. 9 pick by the Toronto Raptors on NBA Draft night, he was overcome with emotion, although it did not appear to be happy emotions. However, by his side was his girlfriend, Gamecocks women's basketball standout Chloe Kitts, who immediately pulled him in for a proud, tearful embrace on national television. ESPN's cameras caught the touching embrace between the two Gamecock stars. Even draft host Malika Andrews gave Kitts a shoutout, noting her presence and athletic ties to South Carolina. It was a milestone moment for Gamecock fans, Murray-Boyles, and Kitts, his biggest fan.

Love and Basketball

The heartfelt scene at the Draft quickly went viral on social media, with ESPNW's X account posting a clip with the caption, "Chloe Kitts was there to watch her boyfriend Collin Murray-Boyles' NBA dream come true ❤️." Gamecock supporters and basketball lovers rejoiced in seeing the young couple's genuine affection and mutual support on the grand stage. Both Murray-Boyles and Kitts' love story started on the same courts in South Carolina, and making their display of support especially meaningful for Gamecock fans. The couple has supported one another at every turn, from hyping one another up on social media to cheering one another on the sidelines, to a warm embrace and an "I love you" on national television.

Truly, it was a special moment to see love and basketball collide on the biggest nights of the year. It's a sweet reminder that behind every dream-come-true moment, there's a loved one right there believing and celebrating, too.