‘I was always going to stay’: Why Collin Murray-Boyles says returning to USC was right call

Collin Murray-Boyles had an opportunity to declare for the NBA Draft or even test the professional waters in the transfer portal this offseason.

Instead, he decided to return to South Carolina for his sophomore year. He wasn’t done being a Gamecock just yet.

“I think I made my decision before I enrolled in college that I was going to come back,” Murray Boyles said with a laugh. “I wasn’t really deciding on whether I wanted to leave or stay. I was always going to stay. So, it wasn’t really a choice for me.”

Murray-Boyles emerged on the national scene after his breakout freshman campaign. Starting the last 19 games of the season, he averaged over 10 points and nearly six rebounds per game, earning SEC All-Freshman honors and a spot on several NBA draft boards.

When it comes to becoming a pro, Murray-Boyles sees room for growth in his game before going to the next level. This season, his development focus is on refining his jump shot, a skill he works on every day. Head coach Lamont Paris also wants Murray-Boyles to step up as a facilitator, being unselfish and guiding his teammates as the No. 1 option for USC this season.

When it comes to transferring to another school, there was nothing anybody could do to get him away from South Carolina.

“I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for the world. For any amount of money, I wouldn’t leave the school,” Murray-Boyles said. “So, especially having this coach and the system he puts us in, it’s really good for us, and it really elevates us to the best of our ability.”

Murray-Boyles was the first Gamecock ever invited to the prestigious 2024 Nike Basketball Academy in August, where he trained alongside elite high school and college players and caught the eyes of NBA scouts and executives. The academy, founded in 2015, gives rising stars a unique chance to work directly with current and former NBA players.

Reflecting on the experience, Murray-Boyles emphasized the importance of seizing every moment.

“I think that just having the mindset to go get it every day and just live like this is your last day,” he said when asked what he learned from the event. “Basketball isn’t forever. Nobody’s career lasts for a lifetime. So I think just attacking it like that every day is probably the biggest thing I learned.”

Heading into this season, Murray-Boyles has unfinished business. After being named to the preseason All-SEC third team, he’s focused on leading USC to a deeper NCAA Tournament run than last year’s bid.

The Gamecocks’ potential was on display recently in a closed scrimmage against last year’s Final Four contender N.C. State, where USC claimed an 86-78 win, according to national reports. For Murray-Boyles, it was further proof that staying was the right call.

“Why wouldn’t I come back?” Murray-Boyles said. “... I just think that this is the place for me. South Carolina is always going to be my home.”