The 2023-2024 version of the South Carolina basketball team has been the most impressive turnaround in college basketball from last season. After tying a program record for losses last season, they have tied the program's best win total already this season.
One of the biggest reasons for their success is impact freshman Collin Murray-Boyles. The young forward is a fluid athlete who plays with strength and a confident post game on offense and remarkable versatility on defense. Despite being undersized for a big (just 6'7"), Murray-Boyles has gotten some NBA Draft buzz.
After his Gamecocks knocked off Arkansas on Thursday in the SEC Tournament, CMB told The State's Jordan Kaye that he will be returning to the South Carolina basketball program next season. When asked about his potential professional future, the talented youngster said that he believes it is in his best interest to continue playing for Coach Lamont Paris so that he can be "as prepared as possible" before making the jump to the next level.
Murray-Boyles is the type of player who could become an impact player in the NBA if things go well for him. If he can develop into a reliable 3-point shooter (something that Lamont Paris has said he can do on multiple occassions this season), he has a productive pro career in his future. He has defensive-stopper type of potential on that end of the floor and could be a useful offensive player, as well. His high motor will go a long way for him.
For now, though, Collin Murray-Boyles plans to be in garnet and black for at least another year. The Columbia native and his team will play their second SEC Tournament game on Friday against the Auburn Tigers at 3:30 PM EST. The game will be shown on ESPN.