South Carolina's Collin Murray-Boyles a hot NBA Draft commodity as teams attempted to trade up to select him

On Wednesday night, South Carolina basketball star Collin Murray-Boyles had his NBA Draft dream come true. The sophomore stud heard his name called with the No. 9 overall pick of the draft as the Toronto Raptors selected him with their first pick.

However, according to a report from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, there was almost a reality in which Murray-Boyles ended up elsewhere. Per Givony, there was “considerable interest” from multiple teams attempting to trade up for the ninth pick.

The report comes as no real surprise because of Murray-Boyles’ defensive acumen and potential for a multi-positional future. He could fit on almost any roster in the league and has huge upside as a player. If things go well–and his jumper becomes serviceable–he could be in the Association for a long time.

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Reactions to the Raptors’ selection of Murray-Boyles were largely positive (On3’s James Fletcher graded the pick a “B+”). A team in need of dynamic defense to complement offensive wings and more stationary post players, Toronto found a player who can plug into the rotation immediately. The former All-SEC performer has good instincts as a passer, too, something that could help make life a little easier for star scorers like Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett.

With the Raptors, Murray-Boyles will team up with another former All-SEC Gamecock, guard AJ Lawson. The former South Carolina star had the best stretch of play of his NBA career down the stretch last season.

Murray-Boyles, Lawson, and the Toronto Raptors will start preseason play the first week of October. Then, about three weeks later, the true schedule begins. Murray-Boyles, however, like most rookies, will make his professional debut earlier than that. NBA Summer League begins in July.

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