South Carolina Basketball’s Rough Season Yields Few SEC Honors, But One Star Shines Bright
Last season, South Carolina racked up SEC awards, with Lamont Paris taking Coach of the Year, two players making All-SEC teams, and another landing on the All-Freshman team. This year? A last-place finish in the conference means the Gamecocks aren’t seeing much recognition.
However, if there’s been one bright spot in an otherwise forgettable year, it’s Collin Murray-Boyles. The star forward was named to the All-SEC Second Team on Monday, while Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk earned SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors.
Murray-Boyles’ Dominance Stands Out
After making the All-Freshman Team last year, Murray-Boyles has only elevated his game in his sophomore season. He leads South Carolina in nearly every major statistical category:
- 16.7 points per game (team leader)
- 8.1 rebounds per game (team leader)
- 1.4 blocks per game (team leader)
- 1.5 steals per game (team leader)
Even when measured against SEC competition, Murray-Boyles stacks up well:
- 8th in scoring
- 3rd in rebounding
- 1st in field goal percentage
- 9th in blocks
- 3rd in double-doubles (8 total, trailing only Johni Broome of Auburn and Amari Williams of Kentucky)
Before a seven-point outing in South Carolina’s 75-65 loss to Tennessee on Saturday, Murray-Boyles was on an absolute tear, averaging nearly 27 points per game over his previous four contests. That stretch included a career-high 35 points against Arkansas on March 1.
What’s Next?
With NBA Draft stock rising, Murray-Boyles could turn pro at the end of the season. But first, South Carolina has at least one more game left—an SEC Tournament showdown against Arkansas on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. on SEC Network.
