South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles is headed to the NBA. After a stellar freshman season that put him on the national radar and helped elevate the Gamecocks to one of their best campaigns in recent memory, the 6-foot-7 forward officially announced that he is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. The decision doesn’t come as a surprise to those who watched him blossom into one of the SEC’s most efficient and impactful young players. For South Carolina fans, though, it’s a bittersweet moment—a signal of how far the program has come, but also how quickly it must adjust to life without one of its brightest stars.
Murray-Boyles burst onto the scene with a combination of poise, athleticism, and basketball IQ rarely seen in a freshman. Despite not entering the season with the same fanfare as some of his blue-chip peers, his play spoke volumes. He started the year as a promising prospect and ended it as a potential first-round draft pick, with several mock drafts projecting him in the late lottery to early 20s range. What made his rise so compelling wasn’t just his statistical production—it was the way he seemed to elevate the Gamecocks whenever he was on the floor.
A Columbia, South Carolina native, Murray-Boyles played his high school basketball at Wasatch Academy in Utah before returning to his home state to suit up for Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks. The local ties made his journey even more special for the South Carolina faithful. In many ways, his emergence helped re-establish a connection between the program and its community. Fans saw a homegrown talent thriving on the biggest stage in college basketball, and it fueled belief that the Gamecocks could compete with the SEC’s traditional powers.
On the court, Murray-Boyles showcased a skillset that felt tailor-made for the modern NBA. He averaged 10.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 58.6% from the field. But the numbers only tell part of the story. He was a Swiss army knife—equally comfortable setting a screen and diving to the rim as he was switching onto a guard and contesting a shot on the perimeter. His defensive versatility allowed South Carolina to deploy a variety of looks, and his offensive efficiency kept defenses honest. He didn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact, and that’s a trait NBA scouts covet.
His breakout moment may have come in South Carolina’s early conference matchup against Kentucky, when he scored 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting while defending multiple positions. In that game, he showed off his full arsenal—rim protection, mid-range touch, transition finishing, and an unshakable motor. From that point on, he wasn’t just a promising freshman—he was a legitimate difference-maker.
Behind Murray-Boyles’ consistent presence in the lineup, the Gamecocks soared. South Carolina finished with its best regular season record since the Frank Martin era and returned to the NCAA Tournament, bringing excitement back to Colonial Life Arena. While veteran leadership and strong coaching played key roles, it was the emergence of Murray-Boyles that gave the team its edge. He brought an energy that was contagious and a humility that grounded the locker room.
His decision to enter the NBA Draft is both a testament to his talent and a reflection of how quickly things can change in college basketball. Just a year ago, Murray-Boyles was adjusting to life as a student-athlete, learning the ropes of SEC competition and finding his rhythm in Paris’ system. Now, he’s preparing to interview with teams, participate in the NBA Draft Combine, and make the case that his game will translate at the next level.
In his declaration post, shared via social media, Murray-Boyles thanked the South Carolina coaching staff, his teammates, and the fans who supported him throughout the season. “This past year has been nothing short of incredible,” he wrote. “Wearing the garnet and black was a dream come true, and I’ll always carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me. After speaking with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for everything South Carolina has given me.”
While some prospects choose to maintain their college eligibility during the draft process, Murray-Boyles has made it clear that he intends to stay in the draft and begin his professional career. His representation will now work with NBA teams to find the right fit, and all signs point to him landing in the first round. Scouts have praised his feel for the game, his ability to guard multiple positions, and his high ceiling as a two-way player. He may not have the same polish as some of the older prospects in the draft, but his upside is undeniable.
One NBA scout who attended several South Carolina games this season noted, “He has all the tools you look for in a modern forward—quick feet, strong frame, good instincts. He’s not a finished product, but his learning curve has been really steep. He’s coachable and smart. You give him a couple years with a good development staff, and he’s going to be a rotation player at worst.”
For Lamont Paris and his staff, the challenge now is to replace Murray-Boyles’ production and presence on the floor. The Gamecocks have built a solid foundation and are expected to be active in the transfer portal. Still, players like Murray-Boyles don’t come around often. He wasn’t just a talented athlete—he was the kind of player who made others better. Whether it was through his relentless effort, his vocal leadership, or his quiet confidence, he set a standard that others followed.
His departure also raises an important question for South Carolina basketball: can the program sustain its momentum without its most impactful young player? The Gamecocks have shown they can develop talent and compete in the SEC, but the next step will be proving they can reload rather than rebuild. Paris has emphasized culture and continuity in his rebuild, and Murray-Boyles played a central role in establishing that identity. Now, it’s about ensuring that culture carries forward.
As for Murray-Boyles, his path is only just beginning. The NBA will present new challenges—faster pace, more physical play, and a deeper talent pool—but he’s proven time and again that he rises to the occasion. What separates him from other young prospects isn’t just athleticism or stats—it’s the way he approaches the game. Teammates have often praised his work ethic, his attention to detail, and his willingness to do the little things that don’t show up in the box score. That mindset will serve him well at the next level.
In the coming months, Murray-Boyles will work out for teams, interview with front offices, and continue preparing for the draft. Wherever he lands, he’ll carry the pride of South Carolina with him. He’s more than just a one-and-done prospect—he’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, and when a young man embraces his moment with humility and grit.
For Gamecock Nation, the goodbye is difficult. But it’s also filled with pride. Collin Murray-Boyles gave South Carolina everything he had, and in return, he helped lead a renaissance in Columbia. His story isn’t over—it’s just entering a new chapter. And no matter where his professional journey takes him, his impact on South Carolina basketball will be felt for years to come.