Big Night Ahead: Collin Murray-Boyles Poised for NBA Draft Milestone
It’s a dream come true for Collin Murray-Boyles as the South Carolina sophomore forward steps into one of the biggest moments of his life—the 2025 NBA Draft, held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Wednesday and Thursday (8 p.m. on ESPN/ABC).
The Columbia native and A.C. Flora High School alum is widely projected as a first-round pick, with mock drafts placing him between No. 10 and No. 16. He is attending the draft in person, marking a significant milestone—not just for himself, but also for South Carolina basketball, as he becomes the first Gamecock to receive a green room invitation.
Speaking to reporters during a whirlwind media day on Tuesday filled with photo shoots and interviews, Murray-Boyles was clearly soaking in the moment.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “Everywhere I have been around, I have been able to see guys that I have watched multiple times on TV and talk to them. It is crazy and not everyone could do that. So just having insight from guys that have been through ups and downs and have had successful careers, it has been unmatched.”
One of those players he connected with? Klay Thompson, now of the Dallas Mavericks. Though Murray-Boyles chose not to disclose which teams he’s worked out with, the buzz surrounding him has only grown.
A Full Circle Moment for Family and Coaches
Joining Murray-Boyles in New York are the people who shaped his journey: his parents Yvonne and Sean, brother James (a professional basketball player overseas), USC head coach Lamont Paris, special assistant Carey Rich, high school coach Joshua Staley, and Wasatch Academy coach Paul Peterson. Even Khadijah Sessions, a South Carolina women’s assistant coach who helped train him in high school, will be in attendance.
Also present will be his girlfriend and South Carolina women’s basketball star Chloe Kitts. The couple has become a fan-favorite duo, attending each other’s games and starring in a Zaxby’s/Uber Eats commercial while also sharing glimpses of their relationship on TikTok.
Murray-Boyles once said on the SEC Network that watching Kitts notch a triple-double in a game brought him more joy than his own career-high 35-point explosion against Arkansas.
What NBA Scouts Are Saying
Draft projections from major outlets are glowing:
- Bleacher Report (No. 14 to Spurs): “He provides a unique punch of offense and physicality… driving, rebounding and playmaking flashes.”
- CBS Sports (No. 16 to Grizzlies): “A throwback player who adds efficiency in the paint and toughness on defense.”
- ESPN (No. 12 to Bulls): “He rates historically well in analytics: strong passing, foul-drawing, two-point shooting, defensive playmaking and youth.”
- Sports Illustrated (No. 10 to Suns): “A high-feel role player and impactful defender who doesn’t need the ball to be effective.”
- The Athletic & The Ringer (No. 15 to Thunder): “Cerebral, versatile defender who processes the game at an elite level.”
- USA Today (No. 13 to Hawks): “Plays with intense effort… SEC’s No. 3 rebounder despite being undersized.”
- Yahoo (No. 11 to Trail Blazers): “A defensive savant who locks down every position and has bulldozer finishing ability.”
From Columbia to the NBA
Murray-Boyles’ rise from local star at A.C. Flora to NBA first-round prospect is nothing short of remarkable. His defensive instincts, high basketball IQ, and physical presence have turned heads—and he’s proven time and again that he belongs on the biggest stage.
With South Carolina’s support system behind him and NBA teams eager to add his skillset, the next chapter in Murray-Boyles’ journey is just beginning.
