South Carolina Gamecocks guard Collin Murray has achieved a remarkable milestone in college basketball, securing both the prestigious 2025 Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award, highlighting his outstanding performance on the court. Over the course of the 2024–25 NCAA men’s basketball season, Murray has emerged as one of the nation’s premier collegiate athletes, captivating fans and analysts alike with a combination of skill, leadership, and relentless competitive spirit. His rise from a promising freshman to the cornerstone of the Gamecocks program is a testament to his work ethic and basketball IQ. The recognition he has earned with the Bob Cousy Award, which is presented annually to the top point guard in college basketball, and the Midseason Wooden Award, which identifies elite candidates for the National Player of the Year, underscores not only his individual brilliance but also the significant impact he has had on South Carolina’s basketball fortunes.
Murray’s journey through the 2024–25 season has been marked by consistent excellence. Standing 6’7″ and known for his versatility, he has displayed a rare blend of physicality, court vision, and decision-making. What sets Murray apart is not merely his athletic prowess but his uncanny ability to elevate the performance of those around him. In a season full of standout performances across the country, his game has demonstrated a mature balance between scoring and playmaking. On average, he contributed 18.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting an efficient 52.9% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. These numbers reflect a player who can do it all—drive, shoot, facilitate, rebound—and more importantly, lead.
The Bob Cousy Award, named after the legendary Boston Celtics point guard, honors the player who best embodies the skills and leadership qualities associated with Cousy himself. Voters for the award—comprising media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers—look not only for statistical leaders but also for floor generals who bring cohesion to their teams. Murray has fulfilled these expectations in spades. His ability to control the tempo of a game and deliver in clutch situations has turned South Carolina into a formidable SEC contender. Whether it was orchestrating a comeback win over Kentucky with 24 points and 9 assists, or his signature performance against Auburn where he registered a triple-double, Murray consistently delivered under pressure. His basketball IQ, ability to read defenses, and unwavering poise made him an easy choice for this year’s Bob Cousy Award.
Meanwhile, the Midseason Wooden Award recognizes players who exhibit the core values of performance, character, and academic achievement. It is not just about statistics but about how players represent their programs on and off the court. Named for the iconic UCLA coach John Wooden, this award is highly regarded as a precursor to the end-of-season national player of the year honor. For Collin Murray to receive this recognition midseason is a strong statement about his overall contributions. He was not only an elite performer statistically, but also a model of consistency and integrity. Coaches across the SEC repeatedly praised his sportsmanship and leadership. Off the court, he remained focused on his academics and community outreach, serving as a mentor for youth basketball clinics and being active in campus leadership initiatives.
Murray’s growth over his collegiate career has been remarkable. In his freshman year, he showed glimpses of promise, averaging modest numbers while adjusting to the demands of college basketball. Despite a setback with illness early in that season, he came back stronger, ending his first year with several double-digit scoring games and earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. His sophomore campaign in 2024–25 was a breakout in every sense. Over the summer, he added strength and sharpened his jump shot, becoming not just a starter but the centerpiece of the Gamecocks’ offense. His development from a raw but talented player to a polished leader was evident in every game. His ability to read opposing defenses, use angles effectively, and make smart passes under pressure stood out among his peers. Unlike many scoring guards, Murray never forced shots. His game was patient, deliberate, and efficient.
A key part of his success this season was his on-court chemistry with teammates. Playing in a system designed to emphasize movement and spacing, Murray thrived by using pick-and-roll situations to either create space for his own shot or dish off to an open teammate. His vision allowed him to rack up assists while also being the team’s primary scoring option. Defensively, he guarded multiple positions, using his length and anticipation to force turnovers and disrupt passing lanes. Several analysts pointed out that his defensive win shares were among the highest in the conference, further demonstrating his all-around game.
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Murray’s leadership propelled South Carolina to one of its most successful seasons in recent memory. The Gamecocks not only climbed into the Top 25 rankings but also made a strong push in the SEC tournament, thanks largely to his stellar play. Under his guidance, the team saw improved cohesion, energy, and execution. His influence extended beyond the stat sheet; teammates looked to him during critical stretches, and he frequently acted as a coach on the floor. Murray’s leadership was quiet but commanding, the kind that builds confidence and inspires performance from everyone around him. Reporters and commentators often referred to his maturity, noting how he handled post-game interviews and how he credited his teammates and coaches even after headline-making performances.
His highlight-reel plays—step-back threes, no-look assists, chase-down blocks—made him a fan favorite, but it was his consistency and resilience that defined his season. Even during the team’s rare off-nights, he showed up and battled. His response to adversity was always composed and focused. After a tough road loss against LSU, in which he shot just 4-of-15 from the field, he returned the following game with a 28-point, 7-assist effort that led the team to a decisive win over Florida. Such bounce-back performances became his trademark. He never let one game define him, and that mindset set the tone for the entire program.
As award season approached, few were surprised when his name surfaced as a frontrunner for the Bob Cousy and Wooden awards. The voting process, which weighs both performance and impact, confirmed what many already believed: Collin Murray had become one of the best guards in college basketball. His blend of scoring, passing, and leadership placed him in a league of his own. Winning both the Bob Cousy Award and being named the Midseason Wooden Award recipient placed him in rarefied company and solidified his legacy in Gamecock history.
Looking ahead, Murray’s future in basketball appears incredibly bright. With his college accolades in hand, he is expected to declare for the NBA Draft, where analysts project him as a lottery pick. Scouts rave about his size, versatility, and high basketball IQ. Many believe he can contribute immediately at the professional level, with the potential to become a starting guard within a few seasons. His character and maturity, often cited as intangibles by NBA evaluators, add to his appeal. In an era where point guards are asked to be both creators and finishers, Murray fits the mold perfectly.
In summary, Collin Murray’s 2024–25 season has been nothing short of historic for South Carolina basketball. By winning the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award, he has not only proven himself as the top point guard in the nation but also as a complete player who excels in all facets of the game. His dedication, leadership, and elite skillset have redefined what it means to be a Gamecock guard, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future players who hope to follow in his footsteps. As the curtain closes on his collegiate career, fans across the country await his next chapter, knowing they have witnessed one of the greats of this generation leave an indelible mark on the game.
