Chloe Kitts Steals the Spotlight While Supporting Boyfriend Collin Murray-Boyles at NBA Draft
NEW YORK — South Carolina women’s basketball standout Chloe Kitts brought a radiant energy to the NBA Draft in Brooklyn on Wednesday night as she stood proudly beside her boyfriend, Collin Murray-Boyles, after he was selected with the No. 9 overall pick by the Toronto Raptors.
Wearing a vibrant red dress and beaming with pride, Kitts celebrated as Murray-Boyles’ name was announced. Moments later, she topped off the look by putting on a Raptors hat — symbolizing both celebration and solidarity with her newly drafted partner. Though it wasn’t her night, she turned heads on the red carpet and in the crowd, drawing admiration from fans of both NCAA basketball and the NBA.
Murray-Boyles, a former South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball standout, saw his professional dreams realized in front of a packed Barclays Center. But his big moment was equally meaningful for Kitts, who has her own basketball dreams and is already one of the top talents in women’s college hoops.
Dual Stars on Parallel Paths
While Murray-Boyles is now headed north of the border to begin his NBA journey with Toronto, Kitts remains focused on her path in NCAA women’s basketball — and possibly a future in the WNBA. The 6-foot-2 forward has developed into a crucial piece of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s program under legendary head coach Dawn Staley.
Last season, Kitts averaged 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game — consistently contributing to a dominant South Carolina squad that reached the NCAA Championship Game, falling short to UConn in a tense, high-stakes battle. But the year prior, Kitts played a pivotal role in helping the Gamecocks capture the national title in 2024.
Though still young, Kitts has already established herself as a player with elite upside, a force on both ends of the court, and a team leader with plenty of room to grow. Her experience on the national stage and ability to perform under pressure mirror the path her boyfriend just completed.
A Bond Built Through Basketball
The couple’s relationship has flourished during their time at the University of South Carolina, where both athletes gained national attention for their performances on the hardwood. While they’ve spent much of the last few seasons focused on their respective games, they’ve also been each other’s biggest supporters.
Kitts’ presence at the draft wasn’t just for the cameras — she’s been part of Murray-Boyles’ journey for years, from long practices and tough road trips to headline wins and unforgettable tournament runs. Her genuine joy and excitement as he hugged family and walked the stage said it all: this was a moment they had both earned together.
The couple’s chemistry and shared commitment to excellence have made them fan favorites among South Carolina’s massive sports community. On social media, Gamecock fans, teammates, and alumni cheered for both Kitts and Murray-Boyles, recognizing the emotional significance of the occasion.
Coach Staley Adds Her Support
In a fitting gesture, Coach Dawn Staley — who has guided the South Carolina women’s team to national prominence — chimed in on the celebration with a humorous and heartfelt message on social media.
“Now sneaking out of town means you’ll be sneaking out of the country,” Staley wrote, referencing the couple’s new long-distance challenge as Murray-Boyles relocates to Canada.
Staley’s words reflect the strong bond between her and her players, many of whom view her as not only a coach but a mentor and maternal figure. She has coached countless stars and WNBA-bound players, but her messages to and about Kitts reveal a deeper, personal investment.
Staley had been openly supportive of the relationship during the season and has often spoken about the importance of emotional well-being and personal balance in athletes’ lives. Her celebration of Kitts and Murray-Boyles demonstrates just how tightly-knit the Gamecocks basketball family truly is.
What’s Next for Kitts?
With the 2025–26 NCAA season ahead, Chloe Kitts returns to South Carolina as one of the team’s most experienced contributors. The Gamecocks are poised for another deep tournament run, and Kitts is expected to play an even larger role, especially with several veteran players having graduated or moved on.
Her WNBA potential is already being discussed among scouts and analysts, who cite her scoring versatility, rebounding tenacity, and leadership on the floor. If she continues on her current trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear her name called during the WNBA Draft in the not-too-distant future.
But for now, she remains a collegiate athlete — albeit one with a growing national profile, both as a player and as a figure of interest off the court.
Social Media Buzz
Following the draft, photos and clips of Kitts went viral across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). Fans praised her elegant look, genuine happiness, and visible love for Murray-Boyles.
“She’s the definition of grace and strength,” one fan wrote. “The way Chloe supports Collin is everything. You can tell it’s real.”
Even Raptors fans joined in the conversation, expressing hope that Kitts’ presence would mean more visibility for women’s basketball and, possibly, future connections between the WNBA and the Toronto market.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NBA Draft wasn’t just about young men realizing their dreams — it also became a stage for Chloe Kitts, a rising star in her own right, to shine in support of the man she loves while keeping her eyes on her own future in basketball.
As Collin Murray-Boyles takes his next steps with the Toronto Raptors, Chloe Kitts will continue to forge her path at South Carolina. Together, they represent the best of college athletics — driven, grounded, and passionate — and fans everywhere are eager to watch their journey unfold from here.
