Collins was born on September 23, 1997, in Layton, Utah. He was raised in a basketball-loving family and grew up playing the sport from a young age. He attended Cardinal Newman School in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he played for the school’s basketball team. His outstanding performance on the court caught the attention of college recruiters, and Collins eventually chose to attend Wake Forest University to play for the Demon Deacons.
During his two years at Wake Forest, Collins established himself as one of the premier college basketball players in the country. In his sophomore year, he averaged an incredible 19.2 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game, leading the Demon Deacons to the NCAA tournament. It was clear that Collins had what it took to succeed at the next level.
The Atlanta Hawks saw the potential in Collins and selected him with the 19th pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Collins quickly flourished in the NBA, showing off his athleticism, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess. He finished his rookie season with averages of 10.5 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Collins continued to improve in his second season, nearly doubling his scoring output to 19.5 points per game while grabbing 9.8 rebounds per game. He became a key piece of the Hawks’ young core alongside Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, helping lead the team to a surprising playoff berth in the 2019-2020 season.
One of the things that sets Collins apart from other players is his incredible athleticism. He is able to soar above defenders for alley-oop dunks, throw down emphatic slams, and block shots with authority. His quickness and agility make him a force on the fast break, and his powerful finishing at the rim puts him in a class of his own.
Despite his impressive physical gifts, Collins is also a skilled basketball player with an arsenal of moves in his offensive toolkit. He can score from inside and outside, with a solid mid-range jumper and a developing three-point shot. He has also worked on his post game, using his strength and footwork to create space for himself and score down low.
But Collins’ abilities aren’t limited to just scoring. He is also a tenacious rebounder, using his size and leaping ability to pull down boards on both ends of the court. He has a knack for getting to the right spot at the right time, and his rebounding allows him to create second-chance opportunities for his team.
Off the court, Collins is known for his friendly personality and positive attitude. He is active on social media, often posting pictures and videos of his life and experiences as an NBA player. He has also used his platform to speak out on issues that matter to him, including racial justice and police brutality.
With so much talent and potential, John Collins is poised to become one of the most dominant players in the NBA. His combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess makes him a force to be reckoned with on the court, and his friendly personality and positive attitude make him a fan favorite off the court. As he continues to develop and improve, there’s no doubt that Collins will only get better and better.