It was a landmark night for South Carolina basketball—one nearly two decades in the making. Collin Murray-Boyles, the Gamecocks’ rising star, became the program’s first NBA lottery pick since 2006, selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Inside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, the Columbia native was joined by family, former coaches, and one very familiar face: his girlfriend, Gamecocks women’s standout Chloe Kitts. As cameras zoomed in on the green room, the couple shared a celebratory embrace. But the moment that truly turned heads came online—courtesy of South Carolina women’s head coach Dawn Staley.

Coach Staley tweeted, “Congrats @GamecockMBB @boyles_murray! And @GamecockWBB @chloe1kitts 🥰🥰🥰. Now sneaking out of town means you’ll be sneaking out of the country😩😩😩🤣🤣🤣”

Playful on the surface, Staley’s tweet carried more weight than it let on. As both coach and mentor to Kitts, she’d clearly noticed her star forward occasionally slipping away to visit Murray-Boyles. Now, with her boyfriend drafted to a team across national borders, those getaways will require a passport. But beneath the emojis and inside joke was something else—a message not just of pride, but of perspective.

Kitts, a key figure in South Carolina’s undefeated 2023–24 national title run, remains in Columbia, gearing up to lead another championship push. Her relationship with Murray-Boyles now enters a new, high-profile chapter—long distance, NBA fame, and the pressure of public attention.

The pair made their relationship public in April 2024 and quickly became one of college basketball’s most recognizable duos. From red carpet moments to viral TikToks, their bond became part of the Gamecocks’ cultural lore. Kitts even delivered a now-famous “That’s my man!” celebration after a win over Ole Miss—an instant fan favorite.

As Boyle’s Heads North, Kitts Faces the Pressure at Home—with Staley in Her Corner

But with Murray-Boyles now heading to Toronto to launch his NBA career, and Chloe Kitts staying in Columbia to anchor one of the most dominant dynasties in college hoops, Dawn Staley’s playful tweet felt like more than just a joke—it read like a coach checking in. A reminder that what happens off the court can shape what happens on it.

Murray-Boyles, who averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds while earning second-team All-SEC honors, is expected to contribute right away in the league. South Carolina men’s coach Lamont Paris praised his pro readiness:

“He defends at an elite level. He knows how to play. If you need him to play soon, then you take him.”

But this moment isn’t just about his next chapter—it’s about how Kitts handles hers. A projected top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Kitts enters her junior season under the spotlight—not just as a national champion, but as a young woman balancing ambition, love, and expectations.

And no one understands that balancing act better than Dawn Staley.

Back in 2015, Staley told The Players’ Tribune, “If there were ever a secret to being a great coach, that’s it: the connection. I need to have a personal relationship with each player.”

She doubled down: “I tell our recruits I can be better for you if you allow me in on all of your life—not just the basketball.”

It’s that emotional investment that’s made her one of the most successful and trusted coaches in the game. It’s how she helped shape stars like A’ja Wilson—not just as athletes, but as people. And yes, Staley even knew about Wilson’s relationship before it was public. So when Staley posted that cheeky message about Chloe “sneaking out of the country,” it wasn’t just humor—it was insight. It was the voice of a coach who sees the full picture, who knows how quickly success, distance, and attention can shift a player’s focus.

The Raptors got their guy. The Gamecocks kept their anchor. Now comes the balancing act. And Dawn Staley’s message made one thing clear: all eyes are still on Chloe Kitts.