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[Toronto Raptors]

Raptors on Film: Tracking the captivating Ulrich Chomche

Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

The Toronto Raptors’ youngest player has an enticing ceiling and a developmental path worth taking note of.

The NBA’s annual Summer League in Las Vegas isn’t always about the fun overreactions on social media.

Somewhere in these games are compelling stories that foreshadow the future of basketball.

Several players stood out in the Toronto Raptors’ 116-72 win over the Chicago Bulls. But Raptors centre Ulrich Chomche might demand further attention, especially with the team’s lack of length beyond Jakob Poeltl.

Chomche finished with nine points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks in 19 minutes off the bench.

Let’s take a look at what the Raptors teenager did on opening night.

Defence​

As inexperienced as Chomche is, he’s always drawn interest from scouts due to his defensive potential. Chomche was visibly slow to track action last season. And while he still has a long way to go, there’s evidence of his improved processing speed.

In the first clip, Chomche switches onto the ball after it is inbounded. With Jonathan Mogbo’s help, Chomche hands off his man and switches into the pick-and-roll (PnR) action. He’s athletic enough to back peddle into drop coverage and has the reflexes to steal the bounce pass.

A similar switch happens in the second play, and Chomche shows off his hand-eye coordination. It’s a great display of his athleticism and balance, especially at six-foot-11.

Designed sets​

Mapping out play calls and sets during Summer League can be an adventure. It’s difficult to decipher what was properly executed or intentionally designed. But it’s worth highlighting two similar-looking sets that involved Chomche.

The first clip is designed to get A.J. Lawson the ball but it begins with a Jamison Battle ghost screen followed by a “half” ghost screen by Chomche. Lawson follows up with one of his own before getting the ball in motion on the right wing. Chomche looks like he’s about to set an off-ball pin down screen for Battle before pivoting into a right-wing PnR. With Lawson already going downhill, the Bulls have no choice but to respect the drive, which opens up a small window for Chomche to get the pass.

In the second clip, there’s a similar 1.5 ghost set-up but the Raptors don’t have an empty side to execute it. Instead, they run it to the bunched area with Ja’Kobe Walter and Lawson. The Bulls defence prepares for an off-ball screen with either Lawson or Alijah Martin. Instead, the Raptors use it as misdirection, Walter sneaks into the play and goes into a PnR with Jamal Shead. Shead rejects the screen, penetrates and dumps it off to Chomche for an easy bucket.

Room for growth​

Although Chomche is more involved this summer, he has plenty of room to improve. There are instances where it takes him a few seconds too long to assess what’s happening around him, especially when defences throw curveball adjustments.

A budding skill set​

Chomche is only one year and nine days older than this year’s No.1-pick Cooper Flagg, and just seven months older than the top centre prospect Khaman Maluach. His developmental path will be long and winding, but it’s encouraging to see the Raptors give him more responsibilities.

In the first clip, Chomche is the designated trigger man for the backdoor Walter cut. And in the second highlight, Chomche is put in a fun 45 PnR with bruiser Mogbo. The second-year Cameroonian has an inherent ability to make plays that most others can’t due to his measurements. It’ll be up to Chomche to string those moments together consistently.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/7/12/24466213/raptors-on-film-tracking-the-captivating-ulrich-chomche

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Toronto Raptors dominate in first Summer League matchup

Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

The sophomores Shead, Mogbo, Battle, and Walter all stepped up to help create an insurmountable lead in the Raptors’ first game in Las Vegas

Stepping onto the court in Las Vegas for the first time in this year’s Summer League, the Raptors came to dominate. By the time the buzzer sounded, their advantage was 116-72. They put the Bulls away easily, showing aggression, energy and a sense of togetherness that will be fun to watch over the next week, and undoubtedly into next season.

Often the fact that some of the youngest players in the league are setting foot on the court means mistakes, throwaways, and airballs. The Raptors showed poise tonight despite their youth, largely due to the play of their sophomores. Both teams had a strong presence of prior NBA experience that helped right the ship, but it was Toronto’s who had a bigger impact.

.@UlrichChomche14 IN TRANSITION pic.twitter.com/pOFHhQdPFr

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 12, 2025​

For Chicago, their first round pick from last year, Matas Buzelis found ways to score and steady some of the play on the court. Two-way player Yuki Kawamura also played substantial minutes, playing tough defence and helping facilitate. Their strongest performer was former Raptor Javon Freeman-Liberty, who finished with 21 points to lead the bulls in scoring.

For the Raptors, last year’s rookies played phenomenally. Each one played to their strengths and showed off-season growth that is promising for next year. AJ Lawson, a player with almost 60 games of NBA experience is one of the most mature players here in Summer League, but seems to have no issue. His energy was tone-setting for the team, and allowed him to rack up 22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in only 20 minutes.

AJ is on FIRE

Leads all scorers with 21 points pic.twitter.com/g444XPimJP

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 12, 2025​

While this game highlighted some of the sophomore players, the rookies weren’t on display as much. Chicago’s draft picks Noa Essengue and Lachlan Olbrich both struggled, scoring a combined 7 points. For Raptors fans, the disappointing scratch of Collin Murray-Boyles just before the game meant a delay in watching his debut, but second-rounder Alijah Martin played solid defence and scored 16 points. The highlight of the night for him was this poster that left an excellent first impression:

ALIJAH MARTIN ON YOUR HEADTOP https://t.co/thI5fgvhTL pic.twitter.com/EpUSWNMFHp

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 12, 2025​

Overall, it was a dominant game by the Raptors from start to finish and by virtually every measure. More rebounds, steals, assists, 3-pointers, and so on. About halfway through the final quarter, it was bench-clearing time, and the Raptors were able to find minutes for everyone available tonight. So, other than the fact that owned the Bulls tonight, we have three main takeaways from this game:

• Defence first. The aggression and effort on that end of the floor was stifling. The Bulls undoubtedly felt it from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Shead, Martin, Lawson, and Hepburn all stood out, but everyone who checked into the game matched that energy. The defensive plays seemed to draw almost more applause from the bench and crowd, with a charge drawn, a steal, or an 8-second call generating a ton of noise from the crowd. This is going to be a big part of their identity moving forward, and if they can get this level of buy-in night in and night out, it will certainly elevate the Raptors’ season.

"Does everyone on the Raptors pick up full court?"

yessir we certainly do

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 12, 2025​

• Last years’ rookies have all made massive leaps. Jamal Shead’s passing and defensive edge haven’t gone anywhere, now paired with his confidence and improved decision making that come with another year. Jonathan Mogbo demonstrated some genuinely remarkable court vision, showing potential for more triple-doubles in his future. Battle’s shooting continues, but he also made some excellent plays around the rim and has seemingly improved defensively as well. Ja’Kobe’s physical growth allowed him to improve finishing, and he made it evident early on, scoring from all over the floor.

MOGBO DOWN THERE SOMEWHERE pic.twitter.com/ydR04wO8YR

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 12, 2025​

• Alijah Martin is probably already a fan favourite. For the first few moments of the game, it was mostly a defensive effort, but his dunk elicited even more energy from him. It’s hard not to put too much into a single Summer League game, but he stuffed the stat sheet, adding 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals alongside his 16 points. He also boasted the highest plus/minus of the game at +36. His age and maturity increase the probability that this isn’t a one-off performance. He’s going to be one to watch for the rest of Summer League for sure.

… if this happened. pic.twitter.com/YJ6z1UPMnw

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 12, 2025​

The next challenge the Raptors will face will be on Sunday, July 13 at 6:00 PM where they matchup against the Orlando Magic.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/7/11/24466153/toronto-raptors-dominate-in-first-summer-league-matchup

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Raptors hold out to win second Summer League matchup

Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

The debut of Collin Murray-Boyles didn’t disappoint as he joins the Raptors’ suffocating defence to deliver a victory

The Toronto Raptors continue to roll through Summer League with another win, this time dispatching the Orlando Magic 89-86. For the second time in a row, their defensive pressure won them the game, combined with strong scoring performances from A.J. Lawson, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo, and Ulrich Chomche who all scored in double figures. Orlando put up a fight, but ultimately they weren’t able to overcome Toronto’s aggression.

WE ALWAYS TURNING DEFENCE INTO OFFENCE https://t.co/U5Hk8dIoOw pic.twitter.com/rKi0TfpsWH

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 13, 2025​

Despite being down early, the Raptors were able to work their way back into contention and then build a lead, one play after another. Each possession was fought for and earned, with bodies flying across the floor in an effort to get the ball. Orlando struggled to find an answer. Their offence looked disjointed, leading to turnovers, scoring droughts, and a visible frustration.

D-WHAT, DEFENCE pic.twitter.com/d6htkUQgyF

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 13, 2025​

Although they fall to 0-2 with this loss, the Magic had strong performances from a number of their players. Jase Richardson, their first round pick, finished with 19-2-4 and 2 blocks. He showed a lot of versatility and strength, and will undoubtedly find a role within Orlando’s organization. Noah Penda, a second round pick that the Magic traded up for also had a solid performance, especially on the boards. He ended with 9 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and a block. Wendell Moore Jr. and Tristan Da Silva also had a solid game, but boast previous NBA experience.

Toronto will keep their Summer League playoff dreams alive, especially with their ability to navigate a tight game where every point matters. Defence is obviously important, but needing to score in late game situations has been a struggle for Toronto over the last couple years and it was nice to see the young guys hold out for the win.

#9 pick Collin Murray-Boyles is making PLAYS on both ends for the @Raptors #NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/fuJ5qhYC07

— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2025​

While there was plenty of solid takeaways from this game, there’s three major ones we get from this one:

• Defence is everything to this team. I’ve said it before, but it’s impossible to undersell the importance of engagement, especially from the bench. Lockdown defence had everyone on their feet and cheering. The buy-in from the players on the floor as a result was palpable. It created so many extra opportunities and drove their offence, as Orlando committed 29 turnovers. Toronto was able to capitalize and score in transition as a result. In a game that was determined by a single possession, those extra opportunities were crucial for the Raptors.

There's no such thing as a 50/50 ball vs us pic.twitter.com/CccEVNkugw

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 13, 2025​

• Ja’Kobe’s ceiling seems to be getting even higher. His rookie year was shortened due to injury so we weren’t able to get a full picture of his abilities during the season, but his midrange game and 3-point shooting were the first hints. Already he’s shown comfort attacking closeouts and taking the ball to the rim. He’s said to have gained 12 pounds of muscle in the offseason already, and that seems to have helped him with both of those things. What hasn’t changed is his willingness to take tough shots, even at the buzzer. Late in the game he showed a lot of grit defensively and then the certainty in his scoring ability to take shots. While it was a team effort, it’s hard not to feel like he kept them in this game. His confidence and diversified skill set on offence is going to be crucial for the Raptors moving forward.

Ja'Kobe knows a thing or two about buzzer beaters vs. Orlando pic.twitter.com/zHPHES9dbM

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 13, 2025​

• Collin Murray-Boyles finally made his debut and it didn’t disappoint. It’s tough not to have really high expectations, especially for a lottery pick, but overall he put together a solid performance. Yes, there were mistakes. He struggled with turnovers, committing 5, but made up for it with a big block, 3 steals, 8 points, and 7 rebounds. He showed a lot of activity off the ball, moving to get open and create space. He is big, physical, and strong, and fits the defensive mold of Toronto. He has fast hands and is fearless at that end of the floor. Already he seems to be exactly what the Raptors were looking for.

YEEEAH ROOK THAT'S WHAT HE DOES @boyles_murray pic.twitter.com/yQoj2FW9f5

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 13, 2025​

The Raptors will try to keep the winning streak going as they face the Denver Nuggets at 8pm ET on Tuesday, July 15.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/7/13/24467195/raptors-hold-out-to-win-second-summer-league-matchup

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Raptors on Film: Marking Collin Murray-Boyles’ origin story

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The rookie forward had an up-and-down debut, but it was a fun glimpse into what he can contribute this season.

The Toronto Raptors struggled to find themselves last season.

That much was obvious after the team utilized 39 different starting lineups, a franchise record.

This year’s Summer League Raptors know who they are. A defence-first team that morphs the court’s dimensions and compresses passing lanes, a philosophy that harkens back to the mentality of the beloved 2019 championship roster.

Collin Murray-Boyles was finally added to that mix and made his debut in the Raptors’ 89-86 win over the Orlando Magic.

Let’s take a closer look at the rookie’s debut and where he left an impression.

Full court pressure​

Although the game occasionally felt sped up for Murray-Boyles, he still found ways to impact the final result. The No.9-overall pick looked most comfortable when he didn’t have to overthink, like when he was asked to pressure 2025 second-rounder Noah Penda.

Penda, 20, was praised by scouts for his handle at six-foot-six. But the French forward was visibly uncomfortable with Murray-Bolyes’ relentless ball-pressure. The first clip potentially highlights what the Raptors’ front office envisioned: a labyrinth of defenders that makes switch-hunting nearly impossible.

Cleaning the glass​

Murray-Boyles finished with a game-high five offensive rebounds. It was an encouraging sign to those who questioned his undersized stature.

The first clip captures what Murray-Boyles means as a connector. He assists with the press-break and the launches himself at the offensive rebound. Before Murray-Boyles fully lands, he throws a pass to Jamison Battle. Even though it doesn’t result in a clean look, it demonstrates his active vision.

Murray-Boyles can carve out an early reputation for creating advantages in scenarios that opposing teams choose to live with. For example, in the second clip, the Magic hide rookie Jase Richardson after the Raptors get him switched onto Jonathan Mogbo. Penda points him to Murray-Boyles’ corner, something that could happen often as teams pre-plan for the drive-and-kick, banking on the Raptors youngster to miss from deep. When teams hide smaller players or try to give star guards a breather on defence, Murray-Boyles must make them pay on the glass like he does against the Magic.

Designing a playbook​

Early signs indicate that this year’s Raptors may experiment more with 45 pick-and-rolls (PnR), which feature the power forward and centre in the action. The first two clips showcase Mogbo as the ball handler and Murray-Boyles as the screener. It’s an optimal way to keep the team’s shooters off-ball, and maximizes the Raptors’ playmaking at the four and five positions.

Like Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Mogbo, Murray-Boyles can also take off after grabbing rebounds, creating mismatches against a disorganized defence.

Room for improvement​

Murray-Boyles also finished with a team-worst five turnovers. His ability to take care of possessions will affect his playing time. The Raptors’ rookie also badly missed both of his three-point attempts.

Defence wins championships​

Even if the jumper doesn’t materialize in a meaningful way this season, Murray-Boyles can help the Raptors return to the playoffs with his defence. Murray-Boyles has an uncanny ability to snare passes at point-blank range, even when he’s simultaneously defending two players like in the first clip.

Fans will also enjoy how engaged he is off-ball. Between Barnes, Mogbo and Murray-Boyles, the Raptors can deploy a free safety for all 48 minutes.

One thing to keep track of during Murray-Boyles’ rookie season will be how he holds up against smaller players. The Raptors still don’t have a proper point-of-attack perimeter defender, and Murray-Boyles may not fit that archetype.

Interior defence​

The Raptors’ interior defence is flimsy past Jakob Poeltl. Any injury to Poeltl has often meant disaster for the Raptors in past seasons. In the first clip, Murray-Boyles shows fans where those Draymond Green comparisons originate from. He understands how to leverage his lower centre-of-gravity against post-scorers, negating his shorter wingspan and weaker standstill vertical.

Murray-Boyles shines off-ball as a weak side defender and is explosive when he gets a small running start.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/2025/7/15...ilm-marking-collin-murray-boyles-origin-story