Raptors’ Collin Murray-Boyles clears air after viral ‘f–k’ reaction

It’s almost never a good sign for a team’s draft pick to drop the F-bomb after being selected.

But luckily for the Raptors, the crisis seems to have been averted. With the ninth pick, the Raptors chose Collin Murray-Boyles, a defensive-minded forward out of South Carolina..

After the pick was announced at Wednesday night’s 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center, the TV camera turned to him and caught him mouthing “f–k” while shaking his head. 

Many watching thought that this was an indication by the young player that he was displeased with his new team. 

Soon after walking across the stage, reporters quickly asked why Murray-Bowles mouthed the expletive. 

“What I said was not a bad thing by any means. I’m just very thankful [to be picked],” he said. “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. It was a crazy moment.”

The Raptors also took to X to further quell any fires, as they posted a picture of Murray-Boyles grinning ear to ear, wearing a Toronto cap. 

Murray-Boyles, a South Carolina native, decided to stay home and play for the Gamecocks. 

He played there for two seasons, compiling a strong sophomore year when he averaged 16.8 and 8.3 rebounds. 

Now he will look to help bolster Toronto’s roster.