Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Collin Murray-Boyles (“CMB”) emerged as a standout at Ridge View High School. While he showed flashes of talent early, he wasn’t heavily recruited by blue–blood programs. South Carolina—under coach Lamont Paris—offered him the opportunity to develop, which he seized.
As a freshman, Murray-Boyles was solid—a reliable contributor who earned SEC All-Freshman honors with averages of 10.4 PPG and 5.7 RPG, showing promise as a two-way player with athleticism and energy (
Entering his second year, expectations were moderate. But by midseason, CMB had elevated himself to one of the nation’s most complete players.
- Early-season form: Named to the Lute Olson “Early Season” Watch List in November, after averaging 15.8 PPG and 9.5 RPG in just four games SEC Player of the Week: In late December, he averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 1.0 steal in two games, one against ranked Clemson—a standout week that earned SEC Co–Player of the Week
- Career night: On March 1, Murray-Boyles dropped a career-high 35 points, scoring 24 in the second half in a dominating win over Arkansas
By season’s halfway mark, his impact was undeniable.
By February 2025, CMB had drawn national spotlight as one of the most versatile bigs in college basketball.
On February 3, the USBWA placed him on the 50-player midseason watch list, citing his all-around performance: about 15.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.4 BPG, while shooting ~59.7% from the floor
Though not explicitly in sources, his inclusion in nationally significant awards like the Oscar Robertson list suggests he was also a candidate for the Wooden Award—college basketball’s top honor given to an outstanding overall player. His elite statistical profile, leadership, and impact elevated his stock midseason.
The John R. Wooden Award honors the nation’s most outstanding college basketball player, recognizing character, academics, and performance. Midseason watchlists often include 30–50 players.
While official midseason mentions aren’t cited here, Murray-Boyles’ contributions—a consistent double–digit scorer, dominant rebounder, elite field goal shooter (led SEC at .586 overall and ~.586 FG%, among national leaders), and defensive presence (averaging over a block and a steal per game)—undeniably earned him strong midseason Wooden Award consideration.
Key Wooden metrics where he excelled:
- Efficient scoring: A lethal finisher with 58–59% FG.
- Big-man versatility: He contributed across the board—rebounds, assists, steals, blocks.
- Volume & consistency: Career-best productions and award watch lists prove sustained performance.
Even if not nationally dominant like a UNC or Duke star, his two-way production, leadership, and statistical rarity (Power‑Five elite in multiple categories) put him in concert with elite Wooden candidates.
The Bob Cousy Award is reserved for the best point guard, named after NBA legend Bob Cousy. It’s designed for primary ball‑handlers, assist leaders, and perimeter playmakers.
Murray-Boyles, as a forward, isn’t a natural fit. He averaged 2.4–2.5 assists, demonstrating his playmaking, but lacked the traditional profile of a Bob Cousy finalist—court leadership, handle, perimeter ability, primary ball‑dominance, screen uses, etc. He was almost certainly not under serious consideration for the Cousy. If any rumors circulated, they likely reflected his versatility. But the award is point-guard specific, and there’s no evidence he was even on watchlists. Expect focus on positional fit, not rumor.
By season’s end, Murray-Boyles amassed a resume that secured multiple in-season and postseason honors:
- AP All‑SEC Second Team: Averaged 16.7/8.1/2.4 with 1.5 SPG and 1.4 BPG, leading the SEC in FG%NABC First Team All–South Atlantic District: Recognition by coaches across the district for his all-around excellenceSEC Player of the Week (co–winner in Dec.) (Midseason Watch: Oscar Robertson Trophy (gamecocksonline.co).
Despite missing out on Wooden Award finalists, these honors confirm he was at the forefront in the SEC and competitive nationally. His unique combination of elite efficiency, defense, and impact builds a lasting legacy for Gamecock basketball.
Let’s break down his on-court profile and project his NBA potential.
- Finishing Efficiency: ~59% FG, elite around the rim—74% on close shots
- Rebounding & Defense: ~8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.5 SPG. Great instincts, switchability, steals/blocks combo.
- Basketball IQ & Versatility: Described as “versatile,” “unselfish,” strong communicator defensively .
- Maturation & Leadership: Took on a starring role for Carolina—carried a struggling team, showed maturity.
- Three-point shooting: Just ~26.5% on low volume.
- Explosiveness: Not a vertical athlete—lack of bounce may limit separation, interior finishing.
- Athleticism & Lateral Quickness: May struggle guarding high-level athletic wings in NBA.
Still, his strengths fit well with modern NBA roles—switchable forwards with rim-skills and IQ are highly valued
On June 25, 2025, Collin Murray-Boyles announced for the NBA Draft . On June 25, the Toronto Raptors selected him with the 9th overall pick, cementing his value | elite talent .
- Toronto plays a switch-heavy defense, valuing communication, versatility, and positional flexibility—Murray-Boyles fits well .
- Offensively, high-percentage mid-range/finishing, ability to play roll-man, cut to rim aligns with Toronto’s spacing and development timeline
His NBA Draft night was unforgettable—picked 9th, supported by girlfriend Chloe Kitts (South Carolina women’s star), who wore Raptors gear. Coach Dawn Staley shared her congratulations
CMB enters Gamecock lore with multiple marks:
- First AP All‑SEC selection since 2019 (second team
- Only Power Five player to average 16/8/2/1/1+ on >50% shooting.
- NABC First Team District honor, Wooden midseason hype, Oscar Robertson watch list—he brought national prestige.
- More than stats: led a program lacking elite success, brought attention to USC’s ability to develop talent.
Collin Murray-Boyles transformed South Carolina basketball through efficiency, two-way excellence, and leadership. His midseason surge placed him among national award contenders (Wooden & Oscar), though positional labeling kept him outside Cousy Award conversations. His collegiate journey set the stage for being a top-10 NBA draft pick, securing a legacy as one of the Gamecocks’ most accomplished and impactful players—an example for future USC stars.
- Midseason claims: Strong Wooden Award candidate; Cousy Award not a realistic fit.
- Season stats: ~16.8 PPG, ~8.3 RPG, ~2.4 APG, high percentages, elite defense.
- Honors: AP All‑SEC 2nd team; NABC First District; Oscar Robertson Watch; SEC Player of the Week.
- NBA draft: Selected 9th by the Raptors, ideal fit.
- Legacy: Cemented Gamecock excellence—first major awards in years, national attention, successful pro leap.
