Sam Vecenie breaks down why Collin Murray-Boyles is a top-tier NBA prospect.

As the college basketball season nears its peak, NBA scouts are turning their attention to top draft prospects—especially those on teams that may not make the NCAA Tournament. One name on their radar is Collin Murray-Boyles, a standout for the struggling South Carolina Gamecocks.

Despite South Carolina’s winless record in SEC play through 13 games, Murray-Boyles’ performance remains impressive. Sam Vecenie from The Athletic recently gave him high marks, particularly for his defensive prowess and basketball IQ.

“Just an unbelievable defensive playmaker,” Vecenie remarked. “Unbelievable defender. Processes the game at such a high level, it’s obscene. Shooting 57% from the field this season. I don’t really buy him shooting threes yet. I don’t know that that’s going to be a thing, but maybe it gets there.”

While Murray-Boyles’ defensive skills shine, his three-point shooting has been a weak spot. He’s hitting just 28% from beyond the arc, though his attempts are minimal, with only one per game on average. His highest total this season came in a game against Virginia Tech with three attempts. NBA teams will be watching closely to see if he can develop this aspect of his game moving forward.

Despite the three-point struggles, Murray-Boyles is still contributing significantly. He’s averaging nearly 16 points and 9 rebounds per game, with his defensive metrics also standing out. Vecenie highlights his advanced defensive stats as some of the best in the class.

With just five games left in the regular season, and the SEC Tournament looming, it looks unlikely that South Carolina will make a deep run unless they have a Cinderella moment. If the Gamecocks’ season ends without a major postseason push, Murray-Boyles will transition to the NBA.

In the latest mock draft from On3’s James Fletcher, Murray-Boyles is projected to be selected No. 17 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, just outside the lottery. He’s slightly behind a couple of international players from France.

However, there’s still time for Murray-Boyles to improve, and Vecenie believes NBA teams will be drawn to his defensive tenacity and efficiency around the rim. The talented South Carolina forward looks set to make the jump to the NBA, with his second college season winding down.

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“I’m a big fan of the Gamecocks”: RB Jayrean Campbell discusses his interest in South Carolina

Jayreon Campbell, a 2026 running back from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, has recently expressed strong interest in the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Campbell has garnered attention from several prominent programs, including Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Notably, he holds an offer from South Carolina, reflecting the Gamecocks’ interest in his talents.

Campbell’s recruitment is highly competitive, with multiple schools vying for his commitment. His recent official visit to North Carolina has intensified the race, making it a closely contested battle between the Tar Heels and the Gamecocks. His father mentioned that Campbell is still evaluating his options, indicating that a decision has not yet been made.

The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, including running backs coach Montario Hardesty, is actively involved in Campbell’s recruitment. Their efforts to engage with Campbell underscore their commitment to strengthening the running back position for the upcoming seasons.

As Campbell continues to explore his options, the University of South Carolina remains a strong contender in his recruitment process. The outcome of his decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as it has the potential to significantly impact the Gamecocks’ future offensive strategies.