Collin Murray-Boyles' Big Night Highlights Progression Of Gamecock Frontcourt
Last night was an incredible one for South Carolina and their fans. It was a blackout. It was sold out. And it was LOUD from start to finish. They got everything a team could ask and hope for from their fanbase and then some. Not only did the fans show out last night, but the frontcourt did as well, especially freshman Collin Murray-Boyles, who played like anything but a freshman against No. 6 Kentucky.
While this game wasn't his best on the offensive end, in which he had 6 points on 2 of 5 shooting, it was by far the best defensive game of his young career. Murray-Boyles finished with nine rebounds, two steals, and three blocks, and even those stats do not give enough justice to the elite defense he played last night, both on and off the ball. He constantly altered shots and forced Kentucky to make the tough contested ones. His play style was extremely contagious as another big man, Josh Gray, had a notable outing against the Cats, recording a season-high nine points.
Collin Murray-Boyles contesting Kentucky forward Tre Mitchell's shot (23rd Jan., 2024)
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Gray was also typically asked to step up and defend Zvonimir Ivišić and, as coach Paris stated, "put his body mass on him" and make him work for everything he got. The Croatian center didn't have a great night, ending the game with just three points and two rebounds, spending most of the time sitting with three fouls, mainly due to the success Gray was able to have.
Lamont Paris and the staff have to be thrilled that they continue to see Collin grow up and improve every game, but also, with how Josh is getting more and more comfortable playing his game and being a force, the staff knows he can be. Moving forward, this can be huge to take some load off of BJ Mack and allow the staff to feel better about their rotation in the front court.
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