Each year, the Upward Stars organization and general state of South Carolina offers up new, exciting, and (typically) under-the-radar prospects—despite being a circuit-level program. This has become the new norm across South Carolina, and the overall talent level has yet to waver. The torch has been passed throughout the years with noteworthy names like Ja Morant, Nick Claxton, and Zion Williamson all making their mark in the NBA. Folks can easily debate who will be the next prospect to get drafted and, given the amount of talent, it could legitimately come from various different directions. Instead of discussing which prospects will take that leap, it would be more advantageous to try and identity the future stars of the Palmetto State. Those guys have already begun to emerge in 6’5 ’23 Christopher Parker and 6’5 ’23 Collin Murray-Boyles.
Starting with Parker, who is a strong, physical post prospect with an extremely advanced frame for his current age. He’s active and mobile, essentially able to wreak havoc against a vast majority of opponents. Parker possesses great hands and positions himself very well to secure rebounds, alter shots, and battle for second-chance opportunities. He finishes nearly anything he attempts around the basket but also understands how to make a lasting impact within the flow of the team. Parker patrols the paint well and does an excellent job of doing the grunt work on both ends of the floor. He’s already quite effective, which should make for a fairly seamless transition into the high school game. However, Parker also has clear upside remaining and could be a prospect worth monitoring going forward.
As for Murry-Boyles, it seems like pretty much everyone is in agreement about his likelihood to become a star over the next few years. He already stands out as a long, fluid forward prospect with enough flashes of skill to eventually become a full-time perimeter player. Murray-Boyles is exceptional at simplifying the game and taking what the opposition gives him. He’s basically guaranteed to score out of the post or around the basket, but also regularly highlights the ability to knock down perimeter shots or attack from the wing. Murray-Boyles displays a quality understanding of how to make his presence felt without necessarily needing to dictate the action. Defensively, he already displays the necessary instincts to block shots, generate steals, and contain multiple positions. On top of all those positive qualities, Murray-Boyles also possesses IQ and leadership ability—arguably more enticing than everything listed. Though he’s the younger brother of James Murray-Boyles (who is currently playing professionally overseas), it is widely discussed and accepted that he’ll eventually surpass his predecessor.