BROOKLYN, NY – In the high-stakes, pressure-cooker environment of the NBA Draft, every facial expression, every whisper, every single movement is magnified. For Collin Murray-Boyles, a talented forward from the University of South Carolina, a split-second, seemingly innocuous reaction after being selected by the Toronto Raptors with the ninth overall pick has become the talk of the sports world. And his girlfriend, fellow Gamecock and women’s basketball star Chloe Kitts, has been right there beside him, navigating the whirlwind of social media speculation.
The moment, captured live on national television, showed Murray-Boyles shaking his head and appearing to mouth an expletive as his name was called. Almost instantly, the clip went viral, sparking a firestorm of online debate. Was he disappointed with the pick? Did he not want to go to Toronto? The digital court of public opinion was in session, and the verdict seemed to lean toward disappointment.
But in the hours that followed, the 20-year-old rookie was quick to clarify the situation, setting the record straight in true sportsmanlike fashion. “It was just disbelief,” Murray-Boyles explained in post-draft interviews. “Toronto was the first team that I worked out for. What I said was not a bad thing by any means. I’m just very thankful for it. That was a surreal moment to hear my name called by this organization that has a good history and has really good players right now.”
His explanation paints a different picture entirely – one of pure, unadulterated shock and the overwhelming emotions that come with a life-changing dream becoming a reality. It wasn’t a moment of frustration, but rather a raw, human reaction to the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. The surprise of being a top-10 pick for a franchise he had built a connection with early in the pre-draft process was simply too much to contain.
Adding to the narrative, Chloe Kitts, a standout player who was the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP for the dominant South Carolina women’s program, was a picture of unwavering support. The couple shared a heartfelt embrace immediately after the pick, a moment that was also broadcast to millions. Later, Kitts took to social media, proudly sporting a Toronto Raptors cap and posting a message filled with teary-eyed emojis, reinforcing her pride in her boyfriend’s accomplishment. This display of solidarity helped quell the flames of controversy, showcasing a powerful partnership built on mutual respect and support.
The viral moment, while initially chaotic, ultimately provided a glimpse into the raw emotions of the draft night experience. It’s a powerful reminder that behind the suits and the bright lights are young athletes whose lives are changing in an instant. For Murray-Boyles, the journey with the Raptors begins with an unexpected headline, but his swift and honest response, backed by the visible support of Chloe Kitts, has already earned him respect.
As Collin Murray-Boyles now prepares to head north to join his new team, his focus will shift from viral clips to on-court performance. With his defensive versatility and a high motor that excites the Raptors’ front office, he’s poised to be a key piece in their future. And with Chloe Kitts, a future WNBA prospect herself, by his side, this dynamic basketball couple is set to take on the professional ranks, one viral moment and one supportive hug at a time.
