Collin Murray-Boyles, one of this year’s NBA draft picks, went viral Wednesday after several fans on social media believed he appeared disappointed by his destination in the league.
A clip with over 2 million views on X shows Murray-Boyles, who played as a power forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks, shaking his head after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that Toronto Raptors used the 9th overall pick on him.
He said something that looked to some fans like “fuck” before embracing loved ones at his table and making his way to the podium.
Basketball fans on social media swiftly speculated that he didn’t want to play in Toronto — the only city with an NBA team outside the U.S. — or for the Raptors, a team that hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since the 2021-22 season.
Since the NBA draft began in 1947, about 1,500 players — like Murray-Boyles — have been picked in the first round, per NCAA.com.
Murray-Boyles later described the “crazy” moment by noting that his comment was not meant to be a “bad thing by any means,” adding that he’s “obviously thankful for the opportunity” and “ready to take it full on and do whatever” the Raptors need him to do, according to Michael Grange of Canada’s Sportsnet.
He also told NBA TV’s Taylor Rooks that he had a “WTF” reaction “for sure,” adding that he almost shed a tear while trying to keep his composure in the moment.
“It’s surreal. I dreamed of this when I was a kid, like you never know when you’re going to be there until you’re there,” explained Murray-Boyles, who remarked that he had his passport ready in his bookbag.
The Raptors later made light of the viral clip by posting a picture of Murray-Boyles flashing a smile.
“See guys, he’s happy!! 😂,” the team wrote on X.
