South Carolina basketball product Collin Murray-Boyles hasn’t announced anything publicly, but the Gamecock sophomore could become a first-round pick if he elects to enter his name into the 2025 NBA Draft. Most mock drafts and big boards have included the Columbia native in the top 30 picks.

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Recently, NBA Draft analyst Sam Venenie detailed why he thinks the South Carolina star can be a first-round pick. “[He] processes the game at such a high level, it’s obscene,” said Vecenie. “[He is] just an unbelievable defensive playmaker.” Vecenie doubled down with his praise, calling Murray-Boyles an “unbelievable defender.”

Despite being a smaller post player (South Carolina basketball’s official roster lists him at 6-8, and most other outlets list him at 6-7), Murray-Boyles averages 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. This season, he has defended other team’s top options in many games, operating both on the perimeter and in the paint as an effective stopper.

There is offensive potential in his game, as well. Murray-Boyles is strong and a really good finisher near the basket, even at tough angles. Because of that, he leads the SEC in field goal percentage among qualified players. He also is an above-average passer who can operate as a secondary or tertiary playmaker in the high post or from the block.

Murray-Boyles ranks third in the SEC in rebounding this season and has logged seven double-doubles.

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Murray-Boyles and the Gamecocks have just five regular season games remaining this season. Barring a run in the SEC Tournament, South Carolina’s season figures to end in mid-March.

However, the USC star will have a little longer to make his NBA Draft decision. Underclassmen like Murray-Boyles can enter the draft as late as 60 days before the draft, creating an April 26th deadline. Even then, underclassmen can pull out of the draft as late as June 15th, 10 days before the draft, itself. Players with remaining eligibility can engage in some pre-draft activities (like the NBA Combine in May) and still return to school.

This year’s NBA Draft will take place on June 25th and June 26th at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York.