Collin Murray-Boyles is officially declaring for the NBA Draft.
The standout South Carolina forward announced on Tuesday his intention to pursue a professional career, despite having two years of college eligibility remaining. The decision comes after a stellar sophomore campaign with the Gamecocks.
The NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for May 11–18, and prospects have until June 15 at 5 p.m. to decide whether they will stay in the draft. The NBA Draft itself is set for June 25–26.
“South Carolina will always be home,” Murray-Boyles shared in a heartfelt message on Instagram. “I couldn’t have gotten here without everyone who has been in my corner since day one.”
Widely regarded as a potential first-round pick, Murray-Boyles is climbing up mock draft boards. Bleacher Report currently has him projected at No. 13 to the Dallas Mavericks, while ESPN slots him in at No. 10 to the Houston Rockets.
Scouts and analysts have drawn comparisons between Murray-Boyles and NBA veterans Julius Randle and Zach Randolph.
“Collin Murray-Boyles would certainly give any lineup a different look with his unique mix of physicality, agility, passing and defensive foot speed,” wrote Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report. “He made his strongest pitch to scouts of the season with 35 points in a blowout win over Arkansas. Even without a jump shot, he continues to have success facing up defenders, overpowering them downhill and using footwork and big hands in the paint.”
This past season, Murray-Boyles posted dominant numbers:
16.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. Notably, he was the only player in a Power 5 conference (ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, SEC) to average at least 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block while shooting over 50% from the field.
With his departure, South Carolina’s roster will undergo a massive overhaul. So far, eight players are transferring out, and three are leaving due to graduation.
South Carolina Basketball 2025-26 Roster Outlook
Out of eligibility (3):
- G Jacobi Wright
- F Myles Stute (seeking a waiver to return)
- F Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk
Transferring away (8):
- G Austin Herro
- G Zach Davis
- G Arden Conyers (committed to Charlotte)
- G Jamarii Thomas
- G Cam Scott
- F Nick Pringle
- G Morris Ugusuk
- F Okku Federiko
NBA Draft:
- F Collin Murray-Boyles
Incoming Transfers (5):
- C Christ Essandoko (from Providence)
- G Treysen Eaglestaff (from North Dakota)
- G Meechie Johnson (from Ohio State)
- Elijah Strong (from Boston College)
Incoming Freshmen (4):
- G Eli Ellis
- G Grant Polk
- F EJ Walker
- F Hayden Assemian
Returning (1):C Jordan Butler
