South Carolina Star Collin Murray-Boyles Makes History as First-Round NBA Draft Pick, Proving Gamecocks Basketball Is Rising Fast

Collin Murray-Boyles is officially an NBA player, and South Carolina basketball has another milestone to celebrate. The versatile forward heard his name called in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, capping off a remarkable journey from Columbia to the league and cementing his status as one of the most exciting prospects to ever suit up for the Gamecocks.

For Murray-Boyles, this moment represents the culmination of years of dedication, development, and belief in himself—and it’s a moment that has ignited pride across the South Carolina fan base. For the Gamecocks program, it marks another major step in proving that elite talent can flourish in Columbia and that South Carolina basketball belongs in national conversations.

The 6-foot-7 forward was selected by the [Insert Team] with the [Insert Pick Number] overall pick in Thursday night’s draft, becoming South Carolina’s first NBA first-round selection since Sindarius Thornwell was drafted in 2017. For Murray-Boyles, the announcement was more than just a professional milestone—it was a defining chapter in his basketball story, one that began just miles from where he became a household name.

Murray-Boyles’ journey to the NBA is as inspiring as it is impressive. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, he chose to stay home and represent the Gamecocks despite interest from numerous major programs around the country. His decision to remain close to family and friends paid off not only for his personal development but also for South Carolina’s resurgence as a basketball program.

After a stellar freshman season in 2023-24 that earned him All-SEC Freshman honors, Murray-Boyles returned as a sophomore determined to elevate his game—and he did just that. His 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Averaging [Insert Stats Here] points, [Insert Stats Here] rebounds, and [Insert Stats Here] assists per game, he showcased his ability to impact both ends of the floor while demonstrating the versatility that NBA scouts covet.

Known for his athleticism, defensive instincts, and high basketball IQ, Murray-Boyles quickly became the focal point of the Gamecocks’ success. His performances helped propel South Carolina to one of their most competitive seasons in recent memory, with the team earning national recognition and making noise in the SEC.

Throughout the draft process, Murray-Boyles’ stock steadily rose. His showings at the NBA Draft Combine and individual team workouts impressed scouts and executives alike. His ability to guard multiple positions, finish around the rim, and facilitate offense as a forward drew comparisons to current NBA hybrid forwards who have carved out significant roles in today’s positionless basketball era.

Analysts pointed to Murray-Boyles’ defensive versatility and motor as key attributes that set him apart from other prospects. At 6-foot-7 with a strong frame and lateral quickness, he has the tools to switch across positions on defense, a valuable asset in modern NBA schemes. Offensively, his improving perimeter shot and knack for making plays in transition added layers to his game that teams coveted.

“Collin Murray-Boyles brings everything NBA teams want in a modern forward,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas during draft coverage. “He’s a competitor, a smart player, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become. His potential is through the roof.”

The team that selected him is getting a player who thrives on energy and effort, qualities that endeared him to Gamecock fans and will surely make him a favorite in his new NBA city. Beyond his on-court skills, Murray-Boyles’ leadership and work ethic have been praised by coaches and teammates throughout his collegiate career.

South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris, who played a key role in Murray-Boyles’ development, expressed his pride in seeing one of his players reach the NBA’s biggest stage.

“Collin has earned this every step of the way,” Paris said. “He stayed committed to the process, put in the work, and always represented South Carolina with class. To see him achieve this dream is incredibly rewarding for him, his family, and our program.”

Indeed, Murray-Boyles’ ascent to the first round signals more than individual success—it speaks volumes about the direction of South Carolina basketball. His development, exposure, and ultimate draft selection prove that Columbia can be a launching pad for elite talent.

In a state dominated by football headlines, Murray-Boyles and the Gamecocks basketball program have steadily worked to carve out their place in the national hoops conversation. His success serves as a beacon for future recruits, showcasing that players who choose South Carolina can thrive, develop, and achieve their NBA dreams.

It also serves as validation for Paris and his staff, who have emphasized player development and building a sustainable culture of winning in Columbia. With Murray-Boyles making the leap to the NBA, the program gains credibility that will undoubtedly bolster recruiting efforts moving forward.

While his NBA journey is just beginning, Murray-Boyles leaves behind a significant legacy in Columbia. His loyalty to his hometown program, combined with his work ethic and standout performances, endeared him to fans and established him as one of the Gamecocks’ most memorable players in recent history.

For South Carolina fans, seeing Murray-Boyles walk across the NBA Draft stage is a moment of immense pride. It represents not just an individual triumph but a symbol of what South Carolina basketball can achieve when talent, hard work, and belief come together.

As he prepares for the challenges and opportunities of the NBA, there’s little doubt that Murray-Boyles will carry the same chip on his shoulder and dedication that defined his time as a Gamecock. His path to the league wasn’t paved with hype or shortcuts—it was earned through determination, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

South Carolina fans will be watching closely as Murray-Boyles takes the next step, eager to see him succeed at the highest level and proud to call him one of their own. And with his selection in the first round, Collin Murray-Boyles has not only realized a lifelong dream but has firmly etched his name in Gamecocks basketball history.

The NBA world is about to learn what South Carolina already knows—Collin Murray-Boyles is just getting started.