The Toronto Raptors, known for their commitment to length, athleticism, and positional flexibility, doubled down on that identity by selecting Collin Murray-Boyles from the University of South Carolina with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It’s a selection that may not come with the instant headlines or highlight reels of other lottery picks, but for those who understand the Raptors’ long-term vision and philosophy, Murray-Boyles is a player who could seamlessly fit into the fabric of what Toronto basketball has always strived to be—tough, intelligent, and defensively sound.
At 6-foot-8 and around 235 pounds, Collin Murray-Boyles is a modern-day forward who brings a unique blend of strength, mobility, and skill that makes him one of the most versatile frontcourt prospects in the draft. He’s the kind of player who fills gaps that coaches love: a glue guy who can play both ends, cover multiple positions, and do the little things that contribute to winning basketball. But don’t let that description sell him short—Murray-Boyles also has the talent and upside to grow into a much more prominent role over time.
Murray-Boyles’ ascent to top-10 draft status was a story of steady growth and relentless work ethic. As a freshman at South Carolina, he wasted no time making an impact in the SEC, one of college basketball’s toughest conferences. Averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, he anchored the Gamecocks on both ends of the court. Offensively, he showed a soft touch around the rim, improving face-up ability, and underrated passing skills from the elbow or post. Defensively, he was the heartbeat of the team—guarding multiple positions, switching onto guards, protecting the paint, and consistently setting the tone with his physical presence.
Toronto’s decision to draft Murray-Boyles reflects the organization’s preference for players who can develop into multi-dimensional threats, especially those who can anchor the defense while contributing in fluid, transition-heavy systems. Head coach Darko Rajaković has emphasized ball movement, defensive intensity, and versatility since taking over, and Murray-Boyles checks all of those boxes. He’s a big who can run the floor, set smart screens, and make plays off the dribble when needed. He’s also shown flashes of perimeter shooting—though not yet consistent—his mechanics are clean, and he shot over 70% from the free-throw line in college, a positive indicator of future range.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Murray-Boyles’ game is how it blends old-school toughness with modern mobility. He rebounds with force, defends with urgency, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. At South Carolina, he quickly developed a reputation as a player who never took possessions off. In a league where effort can sometimes be inconsistent, having a motor like his is a valuable asset. More than just a hustle player, however, he has the basketball IQ to read the game a step ahead. Whether it’s positioning himself in the dunker spot for an easy finish, rotating early on defense, or making a quick high-low pass out of the post, Murray-Boyles makes good decisions at a high rate.
For the Raptors, who have been building around young talent like Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, and RJ Barrett, Murray-Boyles could be a perfect fit both in terms of timing and style. With the potential departure of veterans like Pascal Siakam in the rearview and continued uncertainty around the long-term core, Murray-Boyles adds fresh blood to a team that needs reliable contributors with upside. He can slot next to Barnes in the frontcourt, creating a duo of defensive stoppers with enough offensive flexibility to be dangerous. Barnes’ playmaking and point-forward skills pair nicely with Murray-Boyles’ cutting and finishing ability, and their combined length could form a nightmare for opponents trying to score in the paint.
Beyond the physical tools and statistical production, it’s Murray-Boyles’ mindset that sets him apart. Coaches and teammates at South Carolina consistently praised his humility, coachability, and leadership by example. He’s not flashy, not loud, but commands respect through hard work and consistency. He’s the kind of player who shows up early, stays late, and does whatever is asked of him without complaint. In Toronto’s development-focused system, which has historically turned undervalued prospects into quality NBA players, that attitude will serve him well.
Of course, as with any young player, there are areas for improvement. While his midrange game is decent, his three-point shooting remains a work in progress. To thrive in today’s NBA as a forward, being able to stretch the floor will be critical. He’ll also need to develop a go-to offensive move—whether it’s a reliable jump hook, a face-up jumper, or a baseline drive—to avoid being too dependent on putbacks and cuts. Defensively, while his instincts are strong, he’ll have to adapt to the speed and complexity of NBA offenses, particularly in guarding quicker forwards and navigating high-level pick-and-roll actions.
Toronto’s development staff, long regarded as one of the best in the league, is likely already designing a plan to polish Murray-Boyles’ offensive skills while maximizing what he already brings defensively. With access to NBA-level coaching, nutrition, and training, his trajectory could rise quickly. He’s shown a willingness to adapt and learn, and his growth curve over just one season in college is evidence of how much more he can develop in a professional setting.
Another layer to consider is the cultural fit. The Raptors have built an identity rooted in team-first play, diversity, and effort. Murray-Boyles, with his blue-collar approach and unselfish style, mirrors those values. He’s not the kind of player who demands touches or disrupts chemistry. Instead, he makes teams better just by being on the floor. Whether he’s guarding the opposing team’s best scorer, setting a hard screen to free up a shooter, or grabbing a key offensive rebound, he contributes in ways that may not always show up in the box score but help win games.
In the grander scheme of the Raptors’ rebuild, this pick feels like a foundational brick. While the team may not be championship contenders in the immediate future, accumulating smart, tough, and versatile players like Murray-Boyles is how franchises build sustainably. He may not be a 20-point-per-game scorer anytime soon, but his value will be felt through defense, rebounding, hustle, and doing the right things possession after possession. Over time, as his offensive game matures and his confidence grows, he could evolve into a double-double threat with All-Defensive Team potential.
Draft night is often filled with speculation and splashy moves, but sometimes the best selections are those that make the most sense for a team’s identity. Collin Murray-Boyles to the Raptors is one of those picks. It may not dominate headlines, but a few years from now, it could look like a masterstroke. Toronto is betting on character, work ethic, and potential—and if history is any indication, that’s a bet worth making.
Murray-Boyles enters the NBA not with hype but with a clear sense of purpose. He knows who he is, what he brings, and where he wants to go. For the Raptors, that’s exactly the kind of player they want in the locker room and on the floor. As he begins his professional journey in Canada’s biggest city, there’s every reason to believe he’ll become a fan favorite—not for flash or flair, but for the kind of honest, hard-nosed basketball that never goes out of style.
Toronto didn’t just draft a forward—they drafted a foundation. Collin Murray-Boyles is a Raptors kind of player through and through. And in time, the rest of the league may come to understand just how valuable that is.
