Murray-Boyles downplays reaction to Raps pick: 'Just disbelief'

Collin Murray-Boyles looked upset after getting selected to the Toronto Raptors in the first round of Wednesday's draft. He shook his head and appeared to say "f--k" seconds after Adam Silver read the pick.

However, the former South Carolina forward dismissed the narrative that he was disappointed in his landing spot.

"Just disbelief," Murray-Boyles said of the viral reaction to going ninth overall, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg. "Toronto is the first team that I worked out for. What I said was not a bad thing. Just very thankful. That was a surreal moment. This organization has a good history."

He added: "I'm super excited. I know how passionate the fans are, how diverse the city of Toronto is. To see that and to be around that environment on a daily basis is something that is going to make me a better player. That environment is amazing, the city is great."

The Raptors' social team had fun with the internet's response, posting a picture with Murray-Boyles smiling after joining the club.

"WTF, for sure," Murray-Boyles said, also explaining his reaction on NBA TV. "WTF all the way, until my name got called. It was crazy ... I almost shed a tear. But, I tried to keep my composure. It's surreal. I dreamed of this when I was a kid. ... My passport is in my book bag."

The 20-year-old spent two seasons with the Gamecocks before entering the 2025 draft. He missed time during his freshman year due to mono but thrived when he returned to action. Murray-Boyles earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team in 2023-2024 and also received a Freshman of the Week award in February.

Murray-Boyles played in 32 contests last season, averaging 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on 60% shooting. He was also known for being a physical defender during his tenure at South Carolina.