The buzz around the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft is palpable, and a significant portion of that excitement is centered on South Carolina’s own Collin Murray-Boyles. The promising forward has received a coveted invitation to the NBA Draft green room, a clear indicator of his remarkable talent and the high expectations surrounding his professional career. This exclusive invitation means that Murray-Boyles is projected to be an early pick, almost certainly a first-rounder, and could even hear his name called in the lottery (top 14 selections).
The NBA’s green room is a special area at the draft ceremony where the top prospects, those widely expected to be selected in the first round, and their families await the announcement of their names. Invitations are extended after the NBA surveys team front offices, asking them to vote on the 25 players they anticipate will come off the board first. For Murray-Boyles, this invitation is a powerful affirmation of his standing among the elite talents in this draft class, making him the first South Carolina player since Renaldo Balkman in 2006 (20th overall pick to the New York Knicks) to receive such a high projection.
Murray-Boyles’ journey to this point highlights his rapid development and unique skill set. After spending two years with the South Carolina Gamecocks, he chose to forego his final two years of collegiate eligibility, a decision that has been validated by his strong draft stock. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-0.75-inch wingspan and a solid 239-pound frame, Murray-Boyles brings a rare blend of defensive versatility, athleticism, and high motor that is highly coveted in today’s NBA.
His sophomore season in 2024-2025 with the Gamecocks was particularly impressive, showcasing the strides he made. He averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 58.6% from the field and 70.7% from the free-throw line. These numbers reveal a player who impacts the game across the stat sheet and contributes significantly on both ends of the floor. He led the Gamecocks in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, and was second in assists and steals, demonstrating his all-around impact. He also impressively led the SEC in field goal percentage, ranking 21st nationally.
What truly sets Murray-Boyles apart, and why NBA scouts are so intrigued, is his elite defensive potential and versatility. He has the physical tools and the instincts to guard multiple positions, from agile wings to stronger bigs, thanks to his length, physicality, and quick feet. His motor is relentless, and his defensive awareness allows him to be an impactful help defender and shot blocker. This defensive prowess is a critical asset for any NBA team looking to improve its stopping power.
Offensively, Murray-Boyles is described as a “connector” and an “energy piece.” His game near the basket is highly developed, displaying excellent touch around the rim and a variety of crafty layups and above-the-rim finishes (69.7% at the rim). He’s also shown above-average instincts as a passer for a frontcourt player, averaging 2.4 assists per game, which allows him to operate effectively in the short-roll and as a facilitator from the high post. Scouts have noted his “stellar on-court knowledge and overall basketball IQ” during combine interviews, indicating a player who understands the game beyond just his individual skills.
The primary swing skill for Murray-Boyles’ long-term NBA potential is his perimeter jumper. While he shot 26.5% from three-point range in his sophomore season (making 9 of 39 attempts over two college seasons), a more consistent outside shot would unlock his offensive game significantly and push him into the realm of an NBA All-Star. Without a reliable jumper, he might be limited in terms of floor spacing, but even then, his other attributes make him a highly valuable “gadget player” in the frontcourt.
Mock drafts consistently place Murray-Boyles within the first round, with many projecting him as a lottery pick. Some aggregate mocks have him going as high as No. 10 overall to teams like the Houston Rockets, who value his toughness and defensive energy. Comparisons have been made to current NBA players, including defensive stalwarts like Draymond Green (for his defensive impact and versatility), and even five-time NBA All-Star Al Horford (for his potential as a versatile big who is instrumental to winning as a defensive anchor with complementary offensive utility). The “low-end” comparison to Xavier Tillman also speaks to his potential as a reliable, high-effort contributor even if his shot doesn’t fully develop.
For the South Carolina basketball program, Murray-Boyles’ high draft stock is a significant point of pride and a testament to Coach Lamont Paris’s ability to develop talent. While the Gamecocks had a challenging 2024-2025 season with a 12-20 overall record (2-16 in the SEC), Murray-Boyles was a clear bright spot, leading the team in multiple statistical categories. His departure for the NBA, while a loss for the collegiate team, signals the success of the program in preparing players for the next level.
The NBA Draft, spanning two days on June 25th and 26th, will see the first round broadcast on ABC and ESPN, with the second round on ESPN. If Murray-Boyles accepts his invitation, he will be front and center in the green room, poised to shake Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand as he embarks on his professional journey. His selection will mark a significant milestone for South Carolina basketball and usher in an exciting new chapter for a player whose talent and potential have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
