The buzz around the 2025 NBA Draft has reached a fever pitch, and at its epicenter is South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles. As draft day approached, the air was thick with speculation, rumor, and the frantic maneuvering of NBA teams desperate to trade up and secure the Gamecock star’s services. His unique blend of skill, size, and undeniable swagger had transformed him into the focal point of the draft frenzy, a player whose name was uttered with a mix of excitement and desperation by scouts, general managers, and coaches across the league.
Murray-Boyles, a 6-foot-6 forward (though he plays much bigger due to his substantial 239 pounds and impressive 7-foot wingspan), had captivated the basketball world with his remarkable sophomore season at South Carolina. Despite the Gamecocks enduring a challenging year with a disappointing 2-16 conference record, Murray-Boyles shone as a beacon of consistent excellence, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. His statistics jumped off the page: 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, all while shooting an efficient 58.6% from the field. These numbers, achieved on a struggling team, underscored his immense talent and his ability to impact the game across multiple facets.
What made Murray-Boyles so alluring to NBA teams was that rare combination of attributes. His “skill” manifested in his advanced offensive game around the rim – a player who consistently converted tough finishes (63% at the rim) and displayed an impressive touch with hook shots and pull-up twos. He wasn’t just a brute; he had soft hands and an intuitive feel for the game in the post and as a short-roll playmaker. His passing, particularly out of double teams and from the high post, was another surprising facet, demonstrating a basketball IQ that belied his age.
Then there was his “size,” which, while technically undersized for a traditional NBA power forward, he leveraged with remarkable strength and physicality. He embraced contact, absorbing blows in the paint and delivering them on the defensive end. His 239-pound frame allowed him to bang with bigger opponents, and his 7-foot wingspan, coupled with an 8-foot-10 standing reach, gave him defensive versatility that few players in the draft could match. He was a truly switchable defender, capable of guarding multiple positions from wings to smaller centers, a coveted trait in the modern, positionless NBA.
And finally, the “swagger.” Murray-Boyles played with an undeniable edge, a competitive fire that ignited his teammates and frustrated his opponents. He was visible, vocal, and never backed down from a challenge. This emotional intensity, combined with his high motor, elevated his play in critical moments and suggested a player who would thrive under the bright lights of the NBA. Scouts consistently praised his “preternatural ability to read offensive players,” allowing him to disrupt plays, jump passing lanes, and make game-changing defensive plays. His steal and block rates were indicative of his constant defensive activity and high IQ.
NBA general managers, keenly aware of the evolving demands of the league, saw in Murray-Boyles a player who could immediately contribute to a team’s defensive identity. His defensive IQ was described as “pro-ready,” enabling him to guard various coverages and matchups. Whether playing in rotation, as the low man, or switching onto smaller guards, he consistently made life difficult for opposing offenses. His ability to stonewall isolations and force ball-handlers to kill their dribble was a particular highlight.
However, like any prospect, Murray-Boyles also presented areas for development, which also factored into the frenzy. The most significant question mark surrounding his offensive game was his perimeter shooting. He shot a mere 26.5% from three-point range in his sophomore season, a statistic that raised concerns about his ability to space the floor at the NBA level. Teams would need to invest significant time and effort into developing his jumper, addressing issues like his low gather point and occasional cross-firing. While he showed good touch around the rim and on mid-range pull-ups, consistency from beyond the arc was paramount for a forward in today’s NBA.
Despite these offensive limitations, the allure of his defensive versatility and overall impact on the game made teams willing to take the leap. The Toronto Raptors, in particular, became a prominent player in the Murray-Boyles sweepstakes. With the ninth overall pick, they reportedly bypassed other highly-touted prospects, including Duke’s Khaman Maluach, to secure Murray-Boyles. Toronto’s decision underscored their commitment to building a defensive-minded, versatile roster, seeing Murray-Boyles as an ideal complement to players like Scottie Barnes. Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster admitted, “We had him higher than nine. I think, the defensive stuff, versatility, we’ve seen a lot of players here be successful in that role. And I think that was high on our list.”
Other teams were rumored to be aggressively pursuing trades to move into a position to draft him. Teams in need of defensive anchors, those looking for versatile frontcourt players who could guard multiple positions and contribute to a physical brand of basketball, had Murray-Boyles high on their big boards. Comparisons to players like Draymond Green, though often overused for undersized, versatile forwards, felt particularly apt for Murray-Boyles, given his defensive instincts, passing ability, and overall competitive drive. The idea was that even if his shot didn’t immediately translate, his defensive impact alone would keep him on the floor.
The draft night itself was a whirlwind, with analysts dissecting every pick and rumor. When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver finally announced that the Toronto Raptors had selected Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth overall pick, a wave of excitement, and perhaps a touch of relief, washed over the South Carolina faithful. It marked a significant moment for the Gamecocks program, making him the second-highest draft pick in its history and the first top-14 lottery pick in the modern draft era.
For Murray-Boyles, the moment was surreal. Sitting in the Barclays Center, surrounded by his family, he admitted to almost shedding a tear, a rare crack in his tough exterior. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the Raptors’ history and the good energy he felt during his pre-draft workout with them. His journey from a four-star recruit to a top-10 NBA Draft pick was a testament to his relentless work ethic, his natural talent, and his unwavering belief in his unique game.
As Collin Murray-Boyles embarks on his NBA career, the frenzy around him will undoubtedly continue. His development, particularly on the offensive end, will be closely watched. But one thing is clear: NBA teams recognized a special talent in the South Carolina Gamecock, a player whose combination of skill, size, and swagger promises to make him a compelling force in the league for years to come.
