COLUMBIA — Collin Murray-Boyles, a standout from South Carolina, will showcase his talents this weekend at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, invited as one of the ten rookies competing in the Rising Stars event on February 13. Despite a recent thumb injury, the Toronto Raptors forward is expected to participate fully, demonstrating why he is quickly gaining attention during his first NBA season.
Adjusting to Professional Basketball While Honoring His Roots
Murray-Boyles, the ninth overall pick in the latest NBA draft, is adapting to the professional level with notable success, posting averages of 7.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Transitioning to life in Toronto has challenged the young athlete both on and off the court, but his dedication remains unwavering. He continues to stay connected to Columbia, his hometown, where he excelled in high school and played two seasons at the University of South Carolina.
“Probably so far, he’s the most dominant player I’ve ever played. His aggressiveness, his speed and his size, it’s something that doesn’t come around every century. Playing with him was an eye-opener,”
said Murray-Boyles about Giannis Antetokounmpo, highlighting the inspiration he draws from competing alongside elite players.- Collin Murray-Boyles, NBA rookie
Unyielding Work Ethic and Mentorship Propel Growth
The consistent work Murray-Boyles has put into his game is evident to those who have guided him since his youth. Khadijah Sessions, assistant coach at USC women’s basketball and a longtime trainer of Murray-Boyles, emphasized his commitment to improvement.
“Of course I’m a little biased, but I knew he would make it. He puts in the time, he puts in the hours, he puts in the work. He loves the game,”
said Sessions, underlining the foundation that helped Murray-Boyles reach the NBA.
The offseason and All-Star break present few opportunities for rest during this fast-paced rookie season.
“I’m really just trying to focus on the season while the season’s going on. The games come by so fast, nearly every other day, it’s hard to have breaks,”
Murray-Boyles explained. He treasures brief visits home, which help maintain a grounded perspective amid the demanding schedule.
Adjusting to Life in Toronto and Learning from Coaches
Living in Toronto has exposed Murray-Boyles to a vastly different environment from Columbia, marked by cold winters and a metropolitan scale he had yet to experience.
“Toronto — the scenery is very nice here,”
he shared, recognizing the cultural shift while continuing to embrace basketball’s universal appeal. He spends much of his time in the gym, absorbing coaching from Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic.
“If he sees something I need to improve, he’ll tell me pretty quickly. If I see something I need to point out, I have a question about, he’s very open to hearing me out,”
said Murray-Boyles of Rajakovic’s approach to communication, reflecting a collaborative relationship aimed at refining his skills.
Continuous Skill Development Backed by a Trusted Support System
Sessions remains an instrumental figure in Murray-Boyles’ development, providing feedback regardless of distance.
“Every time he comes back home, we get in the gym. I’m always giving him some type of touching up his skills,”
Sessions noted. She maintains regular contact through texts after games, balancing support with allowing him space to grow.
One key aspect of Murray-Boyles’ progress has been refining his jump shot, a skill critical for spacing the floor in the NBA. Sessions remarked,
“I knew Collin had a real grown-man strength because I put him up against grown men in high school, watching him go against 6-foot-10, 6-11 and seeing what he was going to do. We worked on his jumper because he was going to have to space the floor in the pros.”
Murray-Boyles acknowledges her guidance, saying,
“She’ll text me after games and stuff, tell me what I need to do, give me my props and catch up on the team.”
Jersey Number Decision Reflects Personal Connection
In Toronto, Murray-Boyles initially wore number 12, as his preferred No. 30—worn during his South Carolina career—was held by Ochai Agbaji. Since Agbaji was traded at the NBA deadline, the number is now available. Murray-Boyles shared,
“We’re talking about it. I broke in with 12, but 30 is my No. 1 number. I definitely won’t be changing this year, but next year? Maybe.”
The Rising Stars Invite Marks a Milestone and Motivation for the Future
Despite the excitement surrounding his NBA Rising Stars invitation, Murray-Boyles remains focused and determined. This recognition is a promising first step in what he aims to be a distinguished career, with the upcoming mini-tournament providing a platform to compete with and against top rookies, sophomores, and G League standouts.
The experience of playing alongside and learning from players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, under the mentorship of experienced staff, and with unwavering support from mentors like Khadijah Sessions, positions Murray-Boyles to continue developing his game. As the season progresses, his dedication and resilience are likely to drive him toward further milestones in the NBA.
