ATLANTA, Texas — Atlanta Rabbits boys basketball star Daimion Collins announced Saturday his commitment to the University of Kentucky.
Collins was surrounded by his parents behind a table with all of his jerseys from high school and offseason league teams when the 6-7 athlete stood to reveal the shirt of his chosen school underneath his jacket.
“I’ll be committing to the University of Kentucky,” Collins said. “Go Wildcats.”
According to Collins, he picked Kentucky, led by John Calipari, because he wants to be a part of a program that can help him get to the NBA.
“I mean, find somewhere that fit me best, somewhere that would prepare me for the next level, somewhere that I could see myself going and playing and getting ready for the NBA,” Collins said.
Collins knew that basketball was his chosen route when in his freshman year, he hit a growth spurt from 6-3 to 6-7. The extra height was a sign for Collins that he ought to consider his future.
“I knew then that it was my time to start taking it seriously,” said Collins.
Choosing Kentucky wasn’t easy, as Collins says he had to endure a “long, hard process” of getting to know each coach from every school that gave him offers. Furthermore, he had to evaluate how he would fit in their systems.
With Collins headed for Lexington, Kentucky, the Rabb took a moment to express his gratitude for the bevy of support he has received throughout his career.
“I want to thank everybody’s that has supported me, coming out and watching, and everybody that has watched me a lot from social media,” said Collins. “I just want to say thanks.”
Notable Kentucky alumni in the NBA include Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Julius Randle, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Anthony Davis. Under Calipari, the Wildcats have been to four Final Four appearances, including an NCAA Championship in 2012.