Collin Murray-Boyles, one in every of this yr’s NBA draft picks, went viral Wednesday after a number of followers on social media believed he appeared upset by his vacation spot within the league.
A clip with over two million views on X reveals Murray-Boyles, who performed as an influence ahead for the South Carolina Gamecocks, shaking his head after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver introduced that Toronto Raptors used the ninth total decide on him.
He stated one thing that appeared to some followers like “fuck” earlier than embracing family members at his desk and making his solution to the rostrum.
Basketball followers on social media swiftly speculated that he didn’t wish to play in Toronto — the one metropolis with an NBA group exterior the U.S. — or for the Raptors, a group that hasn’t certified for the playoffs for the reason that 2021-22 season.
Others expressed that Murray-Boyles might have letting out an F-bomb as he was in disbelief over the second.
For the reason that NBA draft started in 1947, about 1,500 gamers — like Murray-Boyles — have been picked within the first spherical, per NCAA.com.
Murray-Boyles later described the “loopy” second by noting that his remark was not meant to be a “unhealthy factor by any means,” including that he’s “clearly grateful for the chance” and “able to take it full on and do no matter” the Raptors want him to do, according to Michael Grange of Canada’s Sportsnet.
He also told NBA TV’s Taylor Rooks that he had a “WTF” response “for certain,” including that he virtually shed a tear whereas attempting to maintain his composure within the second.
“It’s surreal. I dreamed of this once I was a child such as you by no means know once you’re going to be there till you’re there,” defined Murray-Boyles, who remarked that he had his passport prepared in his bookbag.
The Raptors later made mild of the viral clip by posting a picture of Murray-Boyles flashing a smile.
“See guys, he’s pleased!! 😂,” the group wrote on X.