Collin Murray-Boyles Earns Rising Stars Nod as NBA All-Star Weekend Approaches
LOS ANGELES (January 27, 2026) — Former South Carolina Gamecock and current Toronto Raptors rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has officially been selected to participate in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars showcase during NBA All-Star Weekend, set for February 13 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. (Raptors 905)
The Rising Stars event, part of the league’s All-Star festivities, highlights the best young talent in the NBA — featuring a mix of top rookies, second-year players, and standout G League performers. Murray-Boyles, selected ninth overall by Toronto in the 2025 NBA Draft, will join a roster that includes other notable first-year players in a four-team mini-tournament format. (Raptors 905)
A Stellar Rookie Campaign
In his first NBA season, Murray-Boyles has carved out a meaningful role for the Raptors, showcasing his all-around game early in his career. Through 37 games (with 13 starts), he is averaging approximately 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while shooting more than 53% from the field, including a respectable three-point clip for a forward. (Raptors 905)
His contributions extend beyond basic scoring — he ranks among rookies in categories like rebounds, steals, blocks, and field-goal percentage, and leads all first-year players in total offensive rebounds. (Raptors 905)
One standout performance came on January 11, when Murray-Boyles posted a remarkable stat line of 17 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks in an overtime win over Philadelphia, becoming the first rookie since David Robinson in 1990 to record such a multi-category performance. (Raptors 905)
Rising Stars Selection Details
The NBA’s Rising Stars roster pool comprises 10 NBA rookies, 11 sophomores, and seven G League standouts, each chosen either by league coaches (rookies and sophomores) or the NBA office (G League players). (Raptors 905)
In addition to Murray-Boyles, Toronto’s two-way guard Alijah Martin has also been selected — making Martin the first player in Raptors 905 history to participate in the Rising Stars event. (Raptors 905)
Future Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady will act as honorary coaches in the team draft, while Austin Rivers will coach the G League Rising Stars squad. (Raptors 905)
From Gamecock Standout to NBA Spotlight
Murray-Boyles’ journey from college star to NBA Rising Star has been one of steady progression. At South Carolina, he earned significant accolades — including AP Second Team All-SEC honors and leading his team in multiple statistical categories during his sophomore season. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
He was also historically noteworthy in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the first South Carolina player selected in the lottery era and the ninth first-round pick in program history. (abccolumbia.com)
Injury Update Ahead of All-Star Weekend
While the Rising Stars selection is a major milestone, Murray-Boyles’ availability could be influenced by a left thumb contusion sustained in late January, which recently sidelined him from at least one Raptors game. (reuters.com)
Looking Forward
The Rising Stars showcase provides an early platform for NBA’s next generation of stars, and Murray-Boyles’ inclusion underscores the impact he’s already making as a rookie. With Toronto navigating injuries across its roster, his emergence has been a bright spot and one that now brings him into the national spotlight during All-Star Weekend. (Raptors 905)
