When Colin Murray-Boyles heard his name called as the 9th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the spotlight naturally fell on his talent and hard work. But he wasn’t alone on this journey to success. Behind the scenes, South Carolina assistant coach Khadijah Sessions was supporting him the whole time.
Once a standout player for the Gamecocks, Sessions now works under head coach Dawn Staley. She was instrumental in preparing Murray-Boyles for the NBA. Not everyone knows it, but Coach Staley recently gave her the credit she deserves in a heartfelt tweet.
Dawn Staley Says Khadijah Sessions Drives Collin Murray-Boyles’ Success
Murray-Boyles’ journey to the professional league reached a major milestone when the Toronto Raptors selected him 9th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. The former South Carolina standout capped off a breakout sophomore season by averaging 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Following his selection, South Carolina women’s basketball head coach took to social media to celebrate the moment and give credit where it was due. Staley tweeted: “Congrats 2! Your work with CMB helped him cross the @NBA line!” It’s worth mentioning that the entire South Carolina community is feeling proud after his top-ten selection.
Congrats 2! Your work with CMB helped him cross the @NBA line! https://t.co/KiNYxIQ3Wh
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) June 26, 2025
The message was a shoutout to South Carolina’s assistant coach Sessions, who had earlier tweeted, “My fav NBA PLAYER SORRY BRON 🤷🏽♀️😭” in reference to Murray-Boyles’ draft night success.
Besides scoring outstandingly in his sophomore season, Murray-Boyles earned SEC Second-Team honors and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in his first year. His elite two-way game earned him recognition as one of the draft’s top defenders, with many comparing him to Draymond Green for his versatility.
He also shot an impressive 58–59% from the field. However, some scouts raised concerns about his limited three-point shooting (around 26%) and his size as a forward. If those potential limitations were not in the line, he might have been a top-five pick.
Off the court, Collin Murray-Boyles’ draft night was memorable as well. He shared a heartfelt moment with his girlfriend, South Carolina women’s basketball star Chloe Kitts, who was in attendance to celebrate his achievement. Sessions was also in Brooklyn for the NBA Draft to support Murray-Boyles, joining other friends and family.
He was one of 24 players in this year’s draft class to receive an in-person invite. Following his selection, he became the eighth first-round pick in South Carolina men’s basketball history. So, appreciation has been pouring in on social media from every corner of South Carolina, whether it’s from the men’s or women’s college basketball community.
