Dawn Staley Jokes After NBA Draft as Gamecock Stars Collide in Viral Moment
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley took to social media with a playful message after her former player, Collin Murray-Boyles, was selected No. 9 overall by the Toronto Raptors during the 2025 NBA Draft — a milestone moment that quickly went viral.
Murray-Boyles, a standout sophomore forward for the Gamecocks, made headlines not only for his top-10 selection but also for an unscripted, mic’d-up F-bomb when his name was announced. But perhaps just as buzzworthy was his visible embrace with girlfriend and South Carolina WBB star Chloe Kitts, who attended the draft in Brooklyn.
Staley, never one to miss a moment for wit, took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a congratulatory — and cheeky — message about the couple:
“Congrats @GamecockMBB @boyles_murray! And @GamecockWBB @chloe1kitts. Now sneaking out of town means you’ll be sneaking out of the country.”
The joke referenced the couple’s long-distance dynamics and Murray-Boyles’ new life in Canada as a Raptor.
Gamecock Love and Legacy
Chloe Kitts, entering her senior year at South Carolina, has already carved out a legacy of her own. She was part of Staley’s 2024 National Championship squad, earning SEC Tournament MVP honors along the way. She averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this past season and was described by Staley as “consistent” after her 25-point, 10-rebound performance against Vanderbilt in the SEC Quarterfinals.
Murray-Boyles had an equally impressive sophomore campaign, averaging 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, earning him national attention and a solid spot in the NBA lottery. The 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team honoree credited Kitts for being a grounding force during his journey to the pros.
“She’s amazing for me,” he told the Greenville News. “She understands the sacrifices that this comes with. She never takes my time for granted, and I never take her for granted either.”
A Culture of Mutual Support
Staley’s influence clearly spans both South Carolina’s men’s and women’s programs. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have become a dynasty, winning three national titles (2017, 2022, 2024) and building a culture that emphasizes loyalty, discipline, and community.
Murray-Boyles acknowledged that connection as well:
“How they play is something I like to watch,” he said. “How fast they go is almost relatable to how fast the NBA goes. I watch Dawn Staley a lot and see what she does.”
From the hardwood in Columbia to the bright lights of Brooklyn, the bond between South Carolina’s rising stars — and their legendary coach — continues to inspire.
And judging by that viral draft night embrace and Staley’s sharp wit, Gamecock pride is stronger than ever.
