With the ninth-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors selected Collin Murray-Boyles out of the University of South Carolina. While being drafted is a once-in-a-lifetime event that several aspiring athletes dream of, the forward, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, Chloe Kitts, appeared to be quite disappointed with this outcome.

In a video that was part of ESPN’s live broadcast of the draft night, Murray-Boyles can be seen shaking his head and muttering under his breath before approaching the podium to greet the NBA commissioner.

The apparent gesture by the Raptors’ newest addition certainly doesn’t bode well for his future with the team, particularly because the reaction can only be perceived as disappointment.

Similarly, his girlfriend also showed a dejected response to Murray-Boyle being drafted by Toronto. Kitts, who is also a basketball player at the University of South Carolina, may have her reasons to be disappointed in this regard.

The forward was interviewed about his reaction to being drafted by the Raptors as well. In response to how he was feeling, he said:

“I don’t know. This is crazy. Being with this organization means so much. They’re a winning organization. I just want to make everybody better around me, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Murray-Boyles followed up by claiming how shocked he was all the way up to the walk to the podium, how he almost shed a tear, adding that the experience remains a surreal one.

After being projected to be selected eleventh overall, Murray-Boyles has shocked everyone by going earlier. Safe to say, the South Carolina forward has done a solid job of making amends.

Unfortunately, the rookie will be joining the Raptors at a bit of a messy time in their organization. After failing to land Kevin Durant or any major star, Toronto is in disarray.

As constructed, the team is spearheaded by its young core, led by Scottie Barnes. Alongside Barnes, the Raptors also feature talented players such as Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett.

It is important to note that Toronto has recently been linked in trade talks revolving around Barrett, implying more roster changes in the future. But the problem for the Raptors’ first-rounder remains the same.

At 6’7″, Murray-Boyles clashes in the same position as Barnes. While the South Carolina product has a lot of potential, having averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, he is still very raw, especially in comparison to the Raptors’ star.

Last season, Barnes recorded an average of 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. The former ROTY may not have carried his team to a Play-In position, but he is certainly an extremely gifted individual all the same.

The upcoming offseason will be a challenging one for Toronto. Although the East appears to be relatively weaker, the Raptors haven’t necessarily become a stronger side after the NBA Draft.