Collin Murray-Boyles wasn’t the player Raptors fans had in mind when thinking about the selection Toronto would make in the first round. It was a selection that raised eyebrows, since few mock drafts had him going as high as ninth overall.
However, those who knew Murray-Boyles knew he was a relentless worker who had transformed himself from an ignored recruit to an SEC standout. Him being the newest addition to a Raptors team looking to take advantage of a weaker Eastern Conference was anything but surprising.
High School Basketball
Murray-Boyles grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, and developed away from the spotlight. He started his High School basketball career at A.C. Flora High School. After three years, he transferred to Wasatch Academy in Utah for his senior year. This helped refine his skills and gain experience playing against elite national competition.
Although he wasn’t a top-50 recruit, he made a name for himself by showing elite hustle and a relentless motor, which bolstered his leadership qualities. Not having to deal with the attention involved with top-end recruiting hype, Murray-Boyles developed a persistent drive to prove himself and never be complacent.
Collegiate Career
After a successful year at Wasatch Academy, Murray-Boyles committed to the University of South Carolina. He started his collegiate career without the exposure and fanfare of a five-star recruit. However, he quickly made a name for himself in the SEC.
As a freshman, he averaged 10.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, as well as an efficient 59.7% from the field. After a productive sophomore season at South Carolina, improving to 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, his draft stock rose significantly and he declared for the NBA Draft.
Murray-Boyles showcased his ability to finish through contact, rebound effectively and guard multiple positions. His relentless energy became a key component of the resurgence of USC while also turning the heads of NBA scouts. He gained the reputation as a glue guy, a jack-of-all-trades player perfect for a team aiming to add finishing touches to their competitive roster. Although he started his collegiate career with relatively no traction, he ended it with NBA teams watching attentively.
2025 NBA Draft
Heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, Collin Murray-Boyles wasn’t projected as a lottery pick. However, his stock climbed for teams looking to add an element of grit and toughness to their roster. He connected with Toronto in his private workout, matching their desire for his defensive instincts, high motor and physicality. The Raptors are hoping Murray-Boyles will be able to contribute early into his career.
The NBA Draft Combine helped by putting Murray-Boyles’ lateral quickness, strong frame and rebounding ability on the spotlight. These qualities fit the Raptors’ identity perfectly.
Fit with the Raptors
Murray-Boyles fits the mold of what the Raptors have historically valued: high-motor, versatile defenders with offensive upside. His ability to guard multiple positions, crash the glass and make hustle plays aligns with Toronto’s identity.
While his scoring abilities — especially his shooting — are still developing, his interior finishing, playmaking flashes and elite defensive intangibles make him a seamless addition to a Raptors roster ready to fight for a playoff spot in a weaker Eastern Conference.
Head coach Darko Rajaković prioritizes the development of his roster with position-less schemes and rotations. Murray-Boyles can use this to his advantage and thrive early as an energetic big off the bench and grow his way into a starting role.
Collin Murray-Boyles went from an under-the-radar prospect to a top-10 NBA draft pick in just two years. He’s defied expectations at every stage of his fledgling career. Now, with the Raptors, he brings grit, versatility and a chip on his shoulder. His NBA journey is just beginning, but the future for the wing from Columbia looks bright and hopeful.
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