I remember sitting in the stands during that crucial playoff game last season, watching Collins navigate the court with that unique blend of raw athleticism and untapped potential. The final score read 56-54, but what stuck with me were those quarter breakdowns—16-20, 28-24, 38-45, 56-54—telling a story of gradual adaptation and resilience that I believe perfectly mirrors his journey toward the NBA draft. Having followed basketball prospects for over a decade, I’ve seen countless players come and go, but Collins brings something different to the table, something that makes me genuinely excited about his chances.
Let’s break down those numbers a bit, because they’re more than just stats on a sheet. In the first quarter, his team trailed 16-20, and honestly, Collins looked a bit overwhelmed. I’ve reviewed footage from that period, and his decision-making was hesitant—he passed up open shots and struggled with defensive rotations. But here’s where it gets interesting: by the second quarter, they’d clawed back to 28-24, and Collins started to find his rhythm. He dished out three assists in that stretch, showing flashes of the court vision that scouts drool over. It’s this kind of in-game adjustment that separates potential draft picks from the rest. I’ve spoken with a couple of NBA scouts off the record, and they’ve noted his ability to learn on the fly, which is huge for a young player. Personally, I think his basketball IQ is underrated; he reads plays like a veteran, even if his execution isn’t always consistent yet.
Moving into the third quarter, where the score shifted to 38-45, Collins faced his toughest test. His team was down, and the pressure was mounting. I’ve seen prospects crumble in moments like these, but he didn’t. Instead, he dropped 12 points in that quarter alone, including two clutch three-pointers. Now, I’ll be straight with you—his shooting percentage from beyond the arc hovers around 34%, which isn’t elite, but it’s improving. In my analysis, if he can push that to 38% or higher, he’ll be a much more attractive option for teams looking for stretch forwards. What really stood out to me, though, was his defensive effort. He grabbed four rebounds and had a steal in that quarter, showing he’s not just an offensive threat. I’ve always valued two-way players, and Collins is slowly proving he can hold his own on both ends.
The final quarter, closing at 56-54, was where Collins sealed the deal for many doubters, including myself initially. He didn’t dominate the scoring—only six points—but his impact was everywhere. He orchestrated the offense, setting up the game-winning shot with a no-look pass that had the crowd on its feet. From my experience covering drafts, it’s these intangibles that often sway teams. NBA executives I’ve chatted with at combine events mention his “clutch gene” as a key factor. They’re projecting him as a late first-round or early second-round pick, depending on how pre-draft workouts go. I’d even go as far as saying he could sneak into the top 20 if he aces his interviews and showcases improved ball-handling. Let’s not forget, his vertical leap is rumored to be around 38 inches, which is solid for a player of his size at 6’9”.
But here’s my take, and I might be a bit biased because I’ve followed his high school days: Collins has the work ethic to make it. I’ve heard stories of him putting up 500 shots a day during the offseason, and it shows in his gradual stat improvements. Over his college career, his points per game jumped from 12.5 to 18.2, and his rebounds from 6.8 to 9.1. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re evidence of growth. However, he needs to cut down on turnovers—averaging 3.2 per game last season is concerning for a potential NBA role. If he can refine that, I’m confident he’ll not only make a roster but contribute meaningfully within a couple of years. In the end, watching those quarter-by-quarter shifts reminds me that basketball is a game of runs, and Collins has the resilience to ride them all the way to the big league.