South Carolina's Murray-Boyles declares for NBA draft
South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles is entering the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced Tuesday on Instagram.
Aside from being an elite defender, the projected first-rounder stuffed the stat sheet in his sophomore season, leading the Gamecocks in points (16.8), rebounds (8.3), steals (1.5), and blocks (1.3). He was second on the team in assists with 2.4 per game.
Murray-Boyles was named to this season's All-SEC second team and made the SEC All-Freshman team in 2023-24.
"South Carolina had a vision for me to lead the team. They gave me the freedom to express myself," Murray-Boyles told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
Murray-Boyles added, "When people that know basketball watch me play, it's the smaller things that stand out. I'm not one to get oohs and aahs, but I know what it takes to win games and impact a team positively. I hang my hat on how hard I play and my unselfishness. I love to play defense."
At 6-foot-7, Murray-Boyles is aware he needs to improve his outside shot after making just nine 3-pointers during his two-year collegiate career.
"That's the biggest step, improving my mechanics and getting more comfortable with my 3-point shot," Murray-Boyles said. "I've seen a drastic difference so far. My shot looks better and it's going in a good direction so far."
This could potentially be the third consecutive year that a player with a Gamecocks connection is drafted. Sacramento Kings rookie Devin Carter spent his freshman season playing for South Carolina, appearing in 30 games before transferring to Providence. Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson was a second-round selection in the 2023 draft.
The NBA lottery will be held on May 12. The two-day draft is scheduled for June 26 and 27.