It’s official: South Carolina Gamecocks guard Collin Murray has accomplished a major feat in college basketball, claiming both the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award, recognizing his elite performance and impact throughout the season.
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Collin Murray has officially etched his name into the college basketball history books with a season that will be remembered for years to come. His phenomenal play on both ends of the floor, his leadership in the locker room, and his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments have earned him not one but two of the most prestigious honors in college hoops: the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award. These accolades are more than just trophies—they are a reflection of months of hard work, dedication, and consistent excellence that has set Murray apart from the nation’s best.
The Bob Cousy Award, presented annually to the top point guard in men’s college basketball, has long stood as a symbol of elite floor leadership, basketball IQ, and all-around impact. Named after the legendary Boston Celtics guard Bob Cousy, the award is reserved for players who not only excel statistically but also elevate their teams through their vision, poise, and unselfish play. Murray has checked all of those boxes this season and more. His command of the Gamecocks’ offense, his court awareness, and his knack for making the right decision in high-pressure situations made him a clear favorite for the award early in the season. As the months went by and South Carolina continued to pile up victories, his resume only grew stronger.
What separates Murray from many other talented point guards in the country is his ability to control the tempo of a game with surgical precision. Whether it’s pushing the ball in transition, settling the team down in a half-court set, or creating open shots for teammates with slick passes, he’s been the heartbeat of the Gamecocks’ offense. His assist-to-turnover ratio ranks among the best in the country, and his court vision often leaves both fans and opponents in awe. While some players shine with flashy numbers, Murray has mastered the art of efficient dominance, doing whatever his team needs on any given night.
Statistically, his impact cannot be overstated. Murray has averaged double figures in scoring while also ranking in the top tier nationally in assists per game. He has maintained shooting splits that speak to both efficiency and versatility, scoring from beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim with equal confidence. Yet his contributions go far beyond the box score. His leadership qualities have become evident not just in crunch-time moments but throughout every practice and game, where he leads vocally and by example. Coaches and teammates have repeatedly praised his maturity and his calm demeanor, even in the face of the season’s biggest challenges.
If the Bob Cousy Award represents mastery of the point guard position, the Midseason Wooden Award represents overall excellence in college basketball. Given to the most outstanding player in the country, the Wooden Award is considered by many as the most significant individual honor in the sport. To be named the midseason winner is a clear indicator that a player is not just performing at a high level, but is also dominating the national conversation. For Collin Murray, this award reaffirms his status as one of the most impactful players in the game today.
Murray’s consistency has been staggering. Night in and night out, regardless of the opponent or the venue, he has delivered. His highlight reels are filled with crossovers, game-winning shots, and defensive stops, but even more importantly, his efforts have translated into team success. Under his leadership, South Carolina has emerged as a legitimate threat not just in the SEC but on the national stage. He has guided the Gamecocks to key wins over top-ranked opponents, thriving under the bright lights and never shying away from the spotlight.
One of the defining traits of Murray’s season has been his ability to elevate his play in the biggest moments. Whether facing top-10 defenses, playing in hostile environments, or needing a clutch play with the game on the line, he has delivered time and again. This clutch factor, the intangible “it” that separates the good from the great, has become part of his identity. Opposing coaches prepare for him specifically, yet few have managed to contain him. His confidence, work ethic, and feel for the game have made him one of the most feared guards in college basketball.
Beyond the awards and on-court success, Collin Murray’s story is one of perseverance and relentless drive. Coming into the season, he wasn’t necessarily a household name across the country. While those close to the South Carolina program knew his capabilities, national recognition was slow to catch up. But Murray didn’t seek headlines—he earned them. Through disciplined work, film study, and an unshakeable focus, he turned potential into production and has now become one of the faces of college basketball.
His rise also speaks to the culture that head coach Lamont Paris has built within the Gamecocks program. Murray’s development has been fostered in an environment that emphasizes hard work, team-first mentality, and accountability. The trust between player and coach has been evident all season long, with Paris giving Murray the keys to the offense and full confidence in his leadership. In return, Murray has rewarded that belief by delivering a season that has changed the trajectory of the program.
The recognition from the Bob Cousy and Wooden Award committees is well deserved, but for Murray, the journey isn’t finished. As the season transitions into its final stretch, the focus shifts to postseason play. South Carolina is positioned for a strong showing in the SEC Tournament and an anticipated run in the NCAA Tournament. With Murray at the helm, the Gamecocks will be a difficult matchup for any team they face. He gives South Carolina not just hope but belief—belief that they can go toe-to-toe with the best and come out on top.
In the bigger picture, these awards could mark the beginning of a broader legacy. NBA scouts are certainly paying attention, and Murray’s skill set fits well in the modern professional game. But even if he never plays a minute in the NBA, his impact on South Carolina basketball is already cemented. He’s energized the fan base, inspired young athletes across the region, and brought national attention to a program that many had overlooked. He’s proven that greatness can emerge from anywhere, and that dedication and belief can carry a player to the top of the sport.
Collin Murray’s name now joins an elite list of past Bob Cousy Award winners—players who went on to become stars at the next level and left lasting impressions on the game. The same holds true for the Wooden Award, where winners are often remembered as legends of the college game. While the final Wooden Award will be handed out at season’s end, the midseason honor is a powerful indicator that Murray is firmly in contention for that top prize as well.
His story is still unfolding, and more chapters are yet to be written. March Madness is fast approaching, and with it comes the chance for Murray to add another layer to an already spectacular season. A deep tournament run could solidify his legacy even further, while giving fans across the country a closer look at the talent and tenacity he brings every night.
For now, though, the recognition is both appropriate and overdue. Collin Murray has been nothing short of brilliant this season, and the Bob Cousy Award and Midseason Wooden Award are fitting tributes to his impact. He has brought joy to fans, headaches to opponents, and pride to his school. In a sport filled with rising stars and emerging talents, Murray has managed to stand above the rest. His journey is a celebration of what college basketball is all about—passion, growth, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
