The Toronto Raptors have officially selected 6‑foot‑7, 246‑pound power forward Collin Murray‑Boyles out of the University of South Carolina with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This marks a momentous occasion for both Murray‑Boyles and USC, as he becomes the school’s second‑highest draft selection in history, following only GG Jackson (a top‑5 pick in 2023). Equally notable, Murray‑Boyles stands as USC’s first-ever lottery selection in the modern era—a landmark achievement and testament to his talent and work ethic.
Born on June 10, 2005, in Columbia, South Carolina, Collin Murray‑Boyles quickly emerged as a standout talent at A.C. Flora High School. A dominant presence on both ends of the floor, he averaged 18.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.3 blocks per game as a junior, earning Class 4A Player of the Year honors and leading Flora to a state championship berth
For his senior year, Murray‑Boyles transferred to Wasatch Academy in Utah, showcasing his adaptability and consistency with 15.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game Those performances saw him ranked a consensus four‑star recruit and among the top 100 players nationally. From the outset, his physical grit, athletic potential, and defensive instincts were on full display.
Murray‑Boyles continued his upward trajectory at the University of South Carolina.
Despite missing time due to mononucleosis, he bounced back spectacularly—earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors after a standout 31‑point performance against Vanderbilt . He averaged 10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, earning a spot on the SEC All‑Freshman Team
The leap into his sophomore year was dramatic. Murray‑Boyles elevated his game across the board, recording 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He led all SEC qualifiers with a phenomenal 58.6% field‑goal accuracy, particularly shining inside the arc ). His performance included a dominant 35‑point outing against Arkansas, where he shot an impressive 75% from the field
These efforts earned him Second‑Team All‑SEC recognition by both the AP and coaches poll ). Notably, he also led the Gamecocks in defensive metrics with a defensive rating of 100.4, ranking 15th in the SEC while averaging 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game
After declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft on April 15, 2025, Murray‑Boyles received a coveted Green Room invitation—an early indicator of his anticipated first-round selection
At the NBA Draft Combine, he measured 6‑foot‑6½ (without shoes), weighed 239 pounds, and showcased a 7‑foot‑¾ wingspan with an 8‑foot‑10 standing reach ). Combine testing highlighted his functional athleticism, including a vertical leap of 34.5 inches and strong lane agility (11.21 seconds) .
Draft analysts praised his versatility. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony called him a “culture and toughness” fit for Toronto). SI credited his two‑way presence, defensive IQ, and passing ability . College Sports Network deemed him a top target at No. 9 due to his physical traits and mindset
Murray‑Boyles stands out as one of the top defenders in the class, consistently showcasing high motor, strong instincts, and positional flexibility. He averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game ( Renowned NBA draft analyst Sam Vecenie described his defensive processing as “obscene” Multiple experts compare his game to Draymond Green, citing footwork, defensive versatility, and leadership
He ranked SEC‑wide in field‑goal percentage (.586) by agg
Despite being a forward, Murray‑Boyles posted strong assist numbers (2.4 APG), showing playmaking ability from the short roll and post. NBA prospect sites note his passing as advanced for his position .
At 6‑7/246, with a 7‑foot wingspan, he blends strength, motor, and athleticism into a gritty playing style. Those traits helped him handle double teams, rebound, and protect the paintins the primary concern. He attempted just 1.1 threes per game, with a 26.5% success rate in college . Combine results also showed struggles from deep. Experts agree his three-point development will largely determine his ceiling
At 6‑7, he’s considered undersized for a traditional NBA power forward or center. While his wingspan and strength are pluses, he risks matchups with elite rim‑protectors
Though functional, his athleticism isn’t elite. He lacks burst and top-tier lateral quickness. Some questioned his ability to create for himself consistently and finish through contact (
Murray‑Boyles averaged 2.4 turnovers per game and sometimes took ill-advised shots in traffic. Refinement in decision-making and shot selection will be important (
Draft night, held June 25, 2025, at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, featured a mix of surprise, raw emotion, and love.
- Selection: Murray‑Boyles was taken 9th overall by Toronto
- Emotional Moment: Captured muttering an expletive and shaking his head in disbelief—sparked brief controversy (
- Clarification: In a post‑draft Zoom call, he explained: “I was just in shock… excited,” and confirmed gratitude for joining the Raptors—the first team he worked out for (Public Discussion: Some speculated on dissatisfaction with going to Canada, but Murray‑Boyles called the moment “surreal” and said he “fought back tears”
Murray‑Boyles enjoyed unwavering support from his long-time girlfriend Chloe Kitts, a fellow standout forward at South Carolina. With over 250,000 Instagram followers, the NCAA champion was at his side as he was drafted; her presence further amplified his moment
“You can be a model vs basketball player.” (
Her support has added a personal and viral dimension to the story—highlighting newly emerging narratives in the NBA off-court.
Toronto has long prioritized defense, work ethic, and culture—making Murray‑Boyles, a defensive-minded, versatile forward, a strategic match . His playing style aligns with the Raptors’ identity.
Coach Darko Rajaković’s switch-heavy defensive schemes align with Murray‑Boyles’s strengths in communication, awareness, and positional flexibility (
The Raptors went 30–52 last season and missed the playoffs. After retaining this pick, they now hold the 39th selection for round two
If Murray‑Boyles develops a reliable perimeter shot and continues his defensive intensity, he could model a role matching Paul Millsap—off‑guard defender, rebounder, and mid‑range scorer
He’s been compared to Paul Millsap, PJ Washington, and occasionally Draymond Green, especially for his defensive value and passing vision . Isaiah comparisons highlight a “high-floor, high-effort role player” potential—an NBA-caliber contributor.
- Year One: Expect rotational minutes anchored in defense, rebounding, and hustle.
- Skill Building: Raptors’ development staff will focus on adding mid-range consistency and step-out shooting.
- Long-Term: Ceiling around a solid starter or first-impact bench player. Best-case: a two-way forward with playmaking skills.
Risks include:
- Not stretching the floor (no jump shot).
- Athleticism limitations.
- Positional mismatches.
- Name Called at No. 9
- Murray‑Boyles embraced family, coaches, and Chloe Kitts while celebrating in his Raptors caViral Reaction
- His unfiltered response became viral—prompting discussion and immediate explanation
- Post-draft Interview
- On NBA TV, he praised the organization and promised to “make everybody better,” while fighting back emotion (rMedia Excitement
- Analysts applauded his toughness and two-way readiness. The pick received high intrigue from fans and NBA insiders.
- Second‑Highest Draft Pick in USC History
- Only GG Jackson (top‑5 in 2023) ranks higher (
- First Lottery Pick for USC
- As a lottery selection, Murray‑Boyles joins an elite group of Gamecocks to reach the NBA’s first round—and the first ever in the lottery.
- Program Momentum
- This pick highlights USC’s growing development program and enhances recruiting appeal in a competitive SEC landscape.
With this selection, the Raptors are defining their future: adding grit, defense, and untapped offensive upside. Murray‑Boyles is expected to immediately bring:
- Defensive versatility: guard multiple positions, switch, contest.
- Rebounding energy: crash the glass on both ends.
- Hustle plays: cutting, passing, physicality inside.
If he develops a jumpshot, he could ascend to a starter-level role. Even as-is, he’s a top-tier defensive prospect with a workhorse mentality.
Toronto’s investment is clear: they see a player whose toughness and character align with their culture. In doing so, they separate from trend-chasing and lean into traditional plus-team-building.
- GM Bobby Webster (anticipated press conference):
“He gives us that two-way versatility and effort culture we stand for. Collin is the kind of competitor that defines Toronto basketball.” - Coach Darko Rajaković:
“He’s smart, physical, and plays both ends with intensity. He’ll thrive in our system.” - Murray‑Boyles will journey to Toronto in the coming days for his rookie press conference and team physicals
- He’ll begin summer league and training camp preparations—looking to earn a spot in the Raptors’ rotation from day one.
- Meanwhile, USC fans and Chad Murray-Boyles’s supporters celebrate their ascent into NBA reality.
“This is surreal. I’ve dreamed of this since I was a kid. Toronto is a great organization, and I can’t wait to show what I can bring—on both ends of the floor, every day.”
SI labelled him a “top‑20 potential” talen College Sports Network spotlighted his culture fit and physical versatilityAnalysts agree: if he can hit that mid-range jumper and defend with intensity, Murray‑Boyles could remain a fixture in an NBA rotation for years to come.
The Toronto Raptors’ selection of Collin Murray‑Boyles at No. 9 represents a strategic, character-driven move. His unique blend of defense, grit, and interior scoring aligns cleanly with Toronto’s identity. The pick also serves as a milestone: USC’s highest-ever draft investor in the modern era and the school’s first lottery pick.
As Murray‑Boyles steps onto the NBA stage, expectations are clear. He’s a competitor by nature—an imperfect but compelling talent whose growth in shooting and physical adaptation will determine whether he becomes a core starter or a high-impact role player. But one thing is undeniable: his story is proof of perseverance, defense‑first mindset, and the power of hard‑earned opportunity.
