NBA Comparison: Danny Fortson/Grant WIlliams

Strengths: A physically mature and mentally tough forward with a throwback game … Measured at 6’7” but plays bigger thanks to his 7’0” wingspan and strong frame … Shows a lot of determination on the court and a desire and willingness to work on his game … Plays with intensity and effort on both ends … Uses his strength and footwork to isolate and overpower slower or smaller defenders, showing the ability to beat opponents off the dribble in face-up situations … Has been highly productive, averaging 16.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 2.4 APG as a sophomore at South Carolina … Shows solid touch around the rim and in the mid-post … Good feel for the game with above-average passing instincts from the high or low block … Physical defender who doesn’t shy away from contact and is willing to mix it up in the paint … Active hands defensively, averaging 1.5 steals per game … Competes with a high motor and brings toughness to the floor every night … Born June 10, 2005, he’s one of the younger prospects in the draft, despite being a sophomore … A good passer for a post player …

Weaknesses: At 6’7 and with a 7′ wingspan, undersized as a post player and lacks great lift  to compensate for his size … Lacks consistent outside shooting touch, hitting just 26.5% from three and 70.7% from the free throw line … Perimeter efficiency remains a concern, particularly in pick-and-pop or spot-up situations … Limited vertical pop and lateral quickness may impact his ability to guard quicker forwards or space the floor at the next level … Doesn’t project as a true stretch-four or five without further development of his shooting mechanics … Turnover-prone at times (2.4 TO per game) when forced to create against better athletes … Still developing his offensive polish beyond bully-ball tactics … May be somewhat of a positional tweener at the next level … Hit 9-36 from three as a sophomore, showing some expansion in his game, yet hitting just 26.5% as a sophomore … A lot of his potential is based on projecting his shot improves, however there is no guarantee of that … While his passing is good, he won;t be confused for a Draymond Green  type that can moonlight as a point forward and run the team as a secondary ballhandler or in the role of a point … According to Hoop-Math.com, 75.0% of his shots came at the rim, and he converted on just 66.7% of those attempts, both of which are problematic stats when you consider he will be forced to adjust to much better athletes at the next level …

Outlook: Murray-Boyles is a rugged, high-effort forward with a productive skill set and intriguing physical tools. His long arms, isolation scoring, and toughness give him rotation-level upside, but he’ll need to improve his shooting and perimeter game to solidify a long-term role in the modern NBA. Possible second-round sleeper…. Projects as a late first to early second round pick in 2025 …

Notes: Collin Murray-Boyles, a Columbia, South Carolina native, averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game as a sophomore … Starred at A.C. Flora High School, where he led his team to a state championship while averaging 20.3 PPG, 12.1 RPG, and 4.5 APG … He was named South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023. … Played his senior year at Wasatch Academy, (Utah) where he averaged 15.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.8 blk and 1.0 stl per game … Known for his high motor and toughness, he returned close to home to play in college for the Gamecocks …

Aran Smith 4/9/25