Gamecocks F Collin Murray-Boyles declares for draft

South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he told ESPN on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-7 sophomore averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in 32 starts for the Gamecocks in 2024-25. He led the Southeastern Conference in field-goal percentage (.586) and made the All-SEC second team.

"This is exactly how I thought my college career would turn out," he told ESPN. "South Carolina had a vision for me to lead the team. They gave me freedom to express myself."

Murray-Boyles, projected at No. 10 in ESPN's most recent mock draft, has drawn comparisons to Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green for his versatility and defensive prowess.

"When people that know basketball watch me play, it's the smaller things that stand out," Murray-Boyles said. "I'm not one to get oohs and aahs, but 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."

Playing for his hometown Gamecocks, Murray-Boyles made the SEC All-Freshman team in 2023-24 after posting 10.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in 28 games (19 starts).

The NBA draft combine is May 11-18 in Chicago and the draft is June 25-26 in New York.

--Field Level Media