Lamont Paris reveals what he tells NBA teams about Collin Murray-Boyles

South Carolina has an opportunity to produce back-to-back lottery picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Collin Murray-Boyles is a favorite to be among the top 14 selections after spending his college days in Columbia. Head coach Lamont Paris was instrumental in his development before sending him to the next level.

Nobody knows Murray-Boyles better than Paris. So NBA scouts and front offices call to gather information on the player, an area where Paris strives to tell nothing but the truth. He recently revealed a conversation that he had with one team, giving them advice on why they should take Murray-Boyles.

“I just had a conversation two days ago with a team that told me they were potentially going to be in a position to trade up to where they would be in his draft window,” Paris said. ” … They may or may not take him but the conversations I had were about who he is as a player… The beauty about that is that I tell them the truth and I think that’s why they continue to call me. Because they know I’m not in the business of gaslighting at all…

“What I continue to tell these teams are — you draft these guys on ceiling… I recommend these guys to draft Collin not on his ceiling but draft him on his floor.”

Paris went on to say if teams are looking for somebody who can play a big offensive role, potentially going out there to score 20 points a night, that would be more of Murray-Boyles’ ceiling. The South Carolina head coach recognized there is still some development needed, especially playing at a new level.

Instead, an NBA team could be finding someone who can contribute right away in a different aspect. Paris laid out his former player’s biggest strengths and why some early playing time could be on the horizon.

“If you need him to play in a game relatively soon, I think he’s going to be able to do that,” Pairs said. “I think he’s rigid, sturdy, strong. He defends at an elite level.”

On3’s James Fletcher currently has Murray-Boyles as his No. 7 overall player on the big board. Right now, the New Orleans Pelicans hold the seventh pick. But in the NBA, trades can happen at the snap of a finger, even after guys are taken. An interesting night is ahead for Murray-Boyles as he learns his fate.