RISE OF A GAMECOCK GIANT: South Carolina’s Collin Murray‑Boyles Named On3’s No. 1 Power Forward Prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft — From SEC Standout to NBA Lottery Hope, Defining a New Era of Versatility, Defensive Prowess, and Two‑Way Impact

RISE OF A GAMECOCK GIANT: South Carolina’s Collin Murray‑Boyles Named On3’s No. 1 Power Forward Prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft — From SEC Standout to NBA Lottery Hope, Defining a New Era of Versatility, Defensive Prowess, and Two‑Way Impact

 

Columbia, SC — In a monumental acknowledgment of his impact and potential, Collin Murray‑Boyles, the South Carolina Gamecocks’ versatile power forward, has been ranked On3’s No. 1 power forward prospect in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, catapulting him into the national spotlight as one of college basketball’s most compelling two‑way talents . His rise from hometown standout to NBA lottery consideration marks a seismic shift not just for his career, but for the Gamecocks’ program—and promises to reshape draft discussions across the league.

 

 

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🏀 The Ascent of a Physical Platform

 

641-1Standing at 6-foot-7 with a substantial 245-pound frame and a remarkable 7-foot-1 wingspan, Murray‑Boyles has become the rare blend of agility, strength, and basketball IQ coveted in today’s NBA  . On the court for South Carolina, his sophomore year statistics underscored that unique versatility:

 

1120-116.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG, and a dominant 58% field-goal average  .

 

1390-0He was the only player in major college basketball posting at least 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and better than 55% shooting  .

 

 

Despite South Carolina’s overall struggles, Murray‑Boyles emerged as its statistical anchor and team MVP.

 

 

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🔍 Why He’s On3’s Top Power Forward

 

On3 analyst James Fletcher recognized Murray‑Boyles as the top power forward in his 2025 NBA draft board, a reflection of his rare combination of defensive versatility and offensive polish . Fletcher called him “among the most intriguing players to project,” citing elite defensive tools and evolving offensive skill.

 

1971-1His advanced analytics paint a clear picture: among the nation’s most efficient two-way power forwards, he regularly impacts various facets of the game—even without high-volume scoring or perimeter shooting  .

 

 

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🧩 NBA Outlook and Comparisons

 

2352-0Murray‑Boyles isn’t just a late bloomer—he’s been earning NFL-level attention. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projects him as a lottery pick, slotting him at No. 9 (Toronto Raptors) and comparing his versatile frame and team-first mindset to Al Horford, with backup comparisons to Xavier Tillman  .

 

Analytics experts also draw parallels to elite NBA defenders:

 

Draymond Green, for his multi-positional defensive spin.

 

2721-2Julius Randle, for powerful interior offense  .

 

 

2931-0One scout summarized him as the “best defensive prospect” in the 2025 class—capable of guarding 1–5 spots—while critics cite his inconsistent jump shot as the key developmental hurdle  .

 

 

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📈 NBA Team Fits: Versatility Is Key

 

Teams focused on defense-first lineups and unselfish play see Murray‑Boyles as a potential lottery steal:

 

3159-1Philadelphia 76ers consider him a perfect complement in case of a trade-down, offering interior toughness and defensive IQ for a core needing such grit  .

 

3503-0Houston Rockets have him on loan-buffet boards at No. 10, citing his readiness to defend and adapt to varied roles in a youth-driven rebuild  .

 

 

With limited frontcourt stars available, teams that prioritize defensive versatility and emotional leadership may see him as a high-value, long-term project.

 

 

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🎓 From Columbia to NBA Runway

 

3670-1Murray‑Boyles’ journey mirrors his draft positioning: from A.C. Flora HS to teammate of Gamecock legend Lamont Paris, overcoming setbacks (such as mono in 2023) and solidifying his game into a reliable two-way threat  .

 

4142-0He earned SEC freshman honors, followed by elite sophomore stats, and now leads South Carolina’s draft presence—potentially the highest NBA pick from USC since 2006. In the process, he’s emerged as a cultural and performance leader  .

 

 

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🗓️ The Countdown to Draft Night

 

4426-0With the draft just over a week away (June 25–26), Murray‑Boyles is preparing alongside marquee names like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper  . His Combine performance, workouts with teams, and fill-in shooting progress will determine his precise draft position—though most mocks have him firmly linked to the first-round tiers.

 

 

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✅ Final Take

 

From celebrated college underdog to On3’s top power forward prospect, Collin Murray‑Boyles exemplifies the evolving mold of elite basketball talent: defense, IQ, versatility, and leadership. As analysts and executives evaluate his toolkit and growth path, he’s become one of the most watched prospects ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.

 

More than just a draft selection, Murray‑Boyles represents a renaissance of the “basketball brain”—a player who impacts wins in ways beyond points. His rise reaffirms that excellence, grit, and adaptability can propel a player to the league’s next level—and for USC fans, he’s the dawn of a thrilling new era.

 

 

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