Collin Murray-Boyles always had a plan to take a few more official visits before ultimately committing. But, as he sat at South Carolina Friday, that plan changed.

Murray-Boyles didn’t want to wait anymore, committing to the Gamecocks and becoming Lamot Paris’s first commitment in the 2023 class.

“I didn’t want to be too late,” he told GamecockCentral in an exclusive interview. “I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity. This is a huge opportunity for me to not miss out on a good chance to make myself good.”

[Preseason Camp Offer: Subscribe to Gamecock Central and get 50% off an annual subscription!]

The 6-foot-7 forward committed to South Carolina’s staff during an unofficial visit, waiting about a day before going public with his decision.

He could have waited and taken a few more visits, but South Carolina’s persistence and ability to prioritize him ultimately won out.

“USC, they were just consistent. They hit me up and kept a consistent connection with me. They were just there supporting me. All my games, I would see at least one coach from USC at my games,” he said.

“Knowing they’re making me a priority. Plus they play in one of the best leagues. That’s even better. To have a team that cares about you and wanting you to play the best competition and be the best player I can be.”

[Join us Aug. 20 at Steel Hands Brewing for the 2022 Gamecock Central South Carolina football Kickoff Party]

Murray-Boyles played last season at AC Flora and was near the top of South Carolina’s board in the 2023 class.

Paris and assistant Tanner Bronson went to watch him workout and the Gamecocks were mainstays at every game he played over the summer.

Plenty of credit goes to Bronson and another assistant Eddie Shannon, who pushed hard for Murray-Boyles over the course of the entire summer.

That relationship also held, and Murray-Boyles will be a Gamecock. 

“My biggest factor in my game is my versatility,” Murray-Boyles said of Paris’s pitch. “He can use me anywhere on the court and being able to make plays and the right plays. Just be a big part of why the team wins.”

He’s been on South Carolina’s campus twice since the start of June, picking up an offer during his first trip. He was on campus again this week to get another look at the program before committing.

“I met more of the staff and the trainers and they were showing me what they do for their player sand how much they put into player recovery and development,” he said. “That really stood out from all other schools recruiting me.”

On his visit, he also got to see the Gamecocks workout and liked what he saw.

“It’s a huge difference. There are more people talking and communicating and it’s high speed. There’s more movement,” he said. “It’s just a big improvement to the first practice until now. It’s a big improvement. It shows how much he cares about the players and how much the players listen to him.”

Now that he’s in the boat for 2023, Murray-Boyles gets to put on his recruiting had. He’ll “for sure” try to pitch other priority targets like Jordan Butler, Coen Carr and others.

“I’m going to tell them straight up it’s a good situation for sure. Coach Paris, he’s a good coach,” Murray-Boyles said. “I was watching his practice and what he has in store for the future. He knows what he’s doing and what he’s trying to set up. I feel like he has a good plan.”

On3 ranks the 6-foot-7 forward a three-star prospect. He picked the Gamecocks over offers from Belmont, SMU, St. Bonaventure and others.

He was also hearing from Georgia, Clemson and Virginia Tech. Murray-Boyles will take a jump in competition and play his senior season for Wasatch Academy in Utah.

“It doesn’t get any better than the NIBC. Most of the dudes there already committed to schools like USC and Power 5 schools. They’re coming in like me trying to get as good as they can get now,” he said.

“They’re more physical, smarter. Me being able to show what I can do against that and adapt to that type of competition will help me become a good player once I get to USC.”

Discuss South Carolina basketball on The Insiders Forum!