Collin Murray-Boyles : Toronto’s New King?

Collin Murray-Boyles : Toronto’s New King?

The Toronto Raptors are known for turning underrated players into stars. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation for developing young talent into key contributors, even when others didn’t see their potential right away. Their newest young player, Colin Murray Boils, is already starting to get noticed and looks like he could continue that tradition. At just 20 years old, Colin has already shown signs that he could become a great player in the NBA. Now, a steal and the lead. In his debut game for the Raptors, he scored eight points, grabbed seven rebounds, and had five turnovers in 23 minutes of play. Those numbers may not seem impressive yet, but for a player just getting his first taste of NBA action, they show he has the confidence and ability to contribute. Coaches and fans both see it as a good foundation to build. What makes Colin stand out is not just what he has achieved so far, but the kind of player he has the potential to grow into. He plays as a hybrid forward, combining good sides with athleticism and defensive flexibility. This kind of versatility is highly valued in today’s NBA and it makes him a perfect fit for the Raptor style of play. From a young age, Colin Murray Boils developed a strong love for basketball. Growing up in a modest neighborhood, he was raised by a family that encouraged him to follow his dreams and supported him every step of the way. His parents always reminded him about the importance of hard work, focus, and staying humble. Lessons he has carried with him throughout his basketball journey. Colin started playing basketball seriously when he was about 6 years old. Most of his free time was spent shooting at the hoop in his backyard or joining pickup games at local park. He wasn’t afraid to play with kids older than him, which helped him learn faster and gain confidence. Even at a young age, people noticed how much effort he put into improving and how eager he was to listen and learn from others. By the time he reached middle school, Colin was already taller than most of his classmates. That natural advantage helped him grab rebounds and block shots. But what impressed his coaches even more was how dedicated he was to getting better. They described him as a player who would arrive early for practice, stay late afterward, and never shy away from extra work. These habits made him stand out even more than his height. When he began playing for AC Floor High School, Colin quickly established himself as one of the top players in South Carolina. His game grew more complete each year, and he became known for his strong rebounding, shot blocking, and ability to score inside. In his senior year, he led his team to the Class 4 A state championship, averaging 18.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. His outstanding season earned him the title of 2023 South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, which reflected both his athletic skill and his good reputation as a teammate leader. After finishing high school as one of South Carolina’s best players, Colin Murray Boils chose to continue his basketball journey with the University of South Carolina Gameco. His decision to stay close to home was a personal. It allowed him to keep playing in front of family and friends while growing under a coaching staff that understood his strengths and believed in his potential. Colin’s freshman year was his first experience playing at the college level and it came with new challenge. College basketball was faster and more physical than high school. But he adapted quickly. From the start, he earned regular minutes in the rotation. Thanks to his effort on defense and his ability to rebound against bigger and older players. In his first season, he averaged solid numbers and made an immediate impression as a player who could impact the game even without scoring a lot of points. His hustle, defense, and willingness to do the little things earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates. By the end of the year, Collins contributions were recognized when he was named to the SEC all freshman team 2024. This award highlighted him as one of the top firstear players in the Southeastern Conference and showed that he belonged at this level. Coming into his sophomore year, Colin was more confident and ready to take on a bigger role. With a full year of experience behind him, he improved his offensive game while continuing to be a reliable defender and rebound. He showed better decision-m, added more moves around the basket, and became one of the team’s leaders on and off the court. In his second season, his stats improved, and he became a key part of South Carolina’s game plan. His consistency and hard work were once again recognized when he earned a spot on the second team all SEC 2025, proving he was among the conference’s best forwards. During his two years at South Carolina, Colin learned how to handle pressure, play within a system, and compete at a high level every night. He also developed his basketball IQ, understanding when to attack, when to pass, and how to help his team in different situations. His time in college helped him grow both as a player and as a person. He left South Carolina with a reputation as a hard worker, a good teammate, and someone who was always willing to put in the effort to improve. By the end of his sophomore year, it was clear that he was ready for the next step. Declaring for the NBA draft was a natural move, and his steady progress in college made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a versatile and hardworking forward. After two strong seasons at South Carolina, Colin Murray Boils decided it was time to take the next step. His consistent growth and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor made him a name to watch heading into the 2025 NBA draft. On draft night, Colin didn’t have to wait long to hear his name call. With the ninth pick in the 2025 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors select Colin Murray Boils from the University of South Carolina. The Toronto Raptors selected him as part of their plan to continue building a young, competitive roster. For Toronto, picking Colin fit their philosophy of finding players who might be undervalued, but who have the potential to succeed through development and hard work. In his first appearance, Colin played 23 minutes, scoring eight points, grabbing seven rebounds, and committing five turnovers. While the stat line wasn’t perfect, it showed flashes of what he could become. A strong rebounder with a high motor and the willingness to compete against anyone. His performance also highlighted areas where he can improve, such as taking care of the ball and making quicker decisions. But for a player making his first appearance in an NBA uniform, it was an encouraging start. Coaches and fans both noted his energy, effort, and potential to grow into a reliable part of the Raptors rotation. One of the most interesting things about Colin Murray Boils is how well his game fits into today’s NBA. He plays with a style that combines parts of the traditional forward position with skills modern teams are looking for, making him a versatile and valuable player to have on the floor. Colin is best described as a hybrid forward. At 6′ 7 in, he has the size to battle inside against bigger players while also being quick enough to guard smaller, more agile opponents on the perimeter. This ability to switch on defense and cover multiple positions is one of his biggest strength. In a league where versatility is highly valued, Colin already shows he can handle different matchups without being a liability. Colin has always been described as a smart player. He makes good decisions, knows when to cut to the basket, and moves without the ball to put himself in the right spot. While his offensive game is still developing, his understanding of spacing, timing, and team play is already strong. That makes him easier to fit into different lineups, even if he isn’t scoring at a high level yet. The Toronto Raptors have a history of valuing players who work hard, play defense, and can adapt to different roles. And Colin fits that mold perfectly. His ability to guard multiple positions, rebound, and contribute without needing the ball in his hands makes him a natural fit in their system. He’s not the kind of player who demands the spotlight, but he makes his presence felt by doing the small things that help a team win. Every year, basketball fans and analysts debate which young players will become the next big names in the NBA. With so much talent entering the league, it can be easy to overlook someone who doesn’t make headlines right away. But those who look closely at the game, who understand how great players are built, know that not every star shines immediately. Some grow into their roles quietly, steadily improving until suddenly everyone is paying attention. One of those players is Colin Murray Bole. His defensive flexibility means coaches can trust him to switch on to almost anyone on the floor. A valuable skill in an era where pick and roll plays are a staple of every offense. On offense, he’s not someone who demands the ball or disrupts the flow of the game. Instead, he moves without the ball, makes smart cuts, screens at the right time, and keeps possessions alive with offensive rebound. This makes him easy to fit into any lineup. Whether he’s playing alongside stars or coming off the bench to provide energy and stability. Players like Colin, who don’t take plays off, who adapt to different roles, who make their teammates jobs easier, are what coaches call winning player. Every championship team needs them. For young players entering the NBA, scoring points is usually the first thing on their mind. But Colin approaches the game differently. From high school to college and now to the NBA, defense has always been his strength, and it’s one of the main reasons he caught the attention of scouts in the first place. At South Carolina, he earned a reputation as someone who could completely change a game on the defensive end. His timing as a shot blocker, his quick feet on the perimeter, and his ability to read plays made him stand out. Even against older, more experienced players, he held his own by staying disciplined and using his length to his advantage. In his NBA debut, Colin showed flashes of that same defensive ability. He grabbed seven rebounds, contested shots at the rim, and switched effectively when guards tried to attack him off the dribble. For a rookie, that kind of defensive awareness is rare and it’s a big reason why coaches are already trusting him with meaningful minutes. Defense isn’t glamorous and it doesn’t always make highlight real, but it wins games. Colin understands that and it’s part of what makes him so valuable. Rebounding is another area where Colin shine at every level of his career. He has shown a natural instinct for tracking the ball and positioning himself to grab rebound on both ends of the floor. In high school, he regularly posted double-digit rebounds per game. At South Carolina, his rebounding numbers were among the best on the team thanks to his combination of timing, strength, and effort. Even in his first NBA game, he grabbed seven rebounds in just 23 minutes. Proof that his skills translate at the highest level. But it’s not just the numbers that matter. Collins hustle, diving for loose balls, fighting for offensive rebounds, keeping possessions alive, sends a message to his team. It shows that he’s willing to do the dirty work, the things that don’t show up in the box score, but make a huge difference over the course of a game. Every coach loves players who bring energy and effort every night. Colin’s rebounding and hustle are a big part of what earns him the respect of coaches and teammates alike. One of the hardest things for young players to understand is that talent alone isn’t enough. To succeed in the NBA, you have to keep learning and improving, even when you’ve already been one of the best players at every previous level. Colin has embraced that mindset from day one. At every stage of his career, he’s been described as coachable, humble, and eager to improve. He asks questions, studies film, and listens to feedback. During his time at South Carolina, he spent extra hours working on his footwork, adding new moves in the post, and improving his free throw shooting. Even now in his rookie season, he can be seen staying late after practice to get extra reps in and working with assistant coaches to refine his game. That willingness to learn and adapt is one of his biggest strengths. The NBA is full of players with talent. The ones who succeed are those who keep finding ways to get better. And Colin has already shown he’s one of them. Colin Murray Boils may not yet be a household name, but he’s already proving that he belongs in the NBA conversation. His combination of versatility, defense, hustle, and willingness to learn sets him apart from other young players trying to make their mark. Colin plays the game the right way, putting the team first, working hard, and improving every time he steps on the court. In a league that rewards players who can adapt, compete, and grow. Colin has all the tools to become a key part of the Toronto Raptors future. He’s the kind of player you might not notice at first, but once you watch closely, you realize he does all the little things that help teams win. For fans, coaches, and anyone who loves the game, Colin Murray Boils is exactly the kind of rising star worth keeping an eye on. The NBA has a history of players like him quietly developing into something special.

The Raptors just drafted Canadian forward Collin Murray-Boyles — and he might be the most underrated pickup of the offseason. In this video, we break down his game, his journey, and why he could thrive in Toronto’s new system.

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