South Carolina star forward Collin Murray-Boyles is officially off the board. The young former Gamecock was selected No. 9 in first round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, becoming the first first-round pick for South Carolina since 2006.
Murray-Boyles emerged as one of the most complete forwards in college basketball last year, averaging 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game for the Gamecocks. Standing at 6-foot-6.5 and 239-pounds, the 20-year-old played with versatility and grit, shooting an efficient 58.6% from the field.
Although Murray-Boyles is considered undersized for a traditional power forward, he has the toughness and high motor to propel him in the pros. He finished his collegiate career as the SEC's No. 3 rebounder, highlighted by a 35-point, seven-rebound performance against Arkansas late in the season. He later added a 20-point, 12-rebound game in the SEC Tournament.
Murray-Boyles' draft stock rose quickly throughout the process, with ESPN's Jonathan Givony noting that he rated "historically well" in the NBA Draft models due to his two-point efficiency, defensive playmaking ability, youth, and elite passing for a forward.
There was a lot of speculation that he may return to South Carolina for another season, and head coach Lamont Paris kept a scholarship spot open for him just in case. But tonight definitely confirms that Murray-Boyles made the right decision in declaring for the Draft. Now, he will bring that same fire and tenacity to the NBA.