Daimion Collins (247Sports Photo)
Daimion Collins has exactly the attitude that John Calipari wants in every player he recruits.
“They will push me to be my best,” Collins told ESPN Saturday night. “I like how their players have developed. Me playing with and against great players, hopefully it will make me a great player. I am ready for the challenge.”
The Texas power forward verbally committed to Kentucky Saturday night joining forward Bryce Hopkins and point guard Nolan Hickman in UK’s 2021 recruiting class. Kentucky also got a verbal commitment from point guard Skyy Clark, a top player in the 2022 class, last week.
Collins picked UK over Oklahoma and Texas — the two teams perceived as his favorites for months. Kansas and Texas Tech were also in his final five.
The 6-10 Collins is a top 20 player nationally and sixth-ranked power forward even though several recruiting analysts believe he should be rated much higher because of his elite rim protecting abilities. He has a 7-4 wingspan.
He’s not a polished offensive player yet but he has shown he can score from outside as well as in the lane.
“Coach Cal knows what he is doing,” Collins told ESPN. “He has been in the game for a long time. He’s always hyped up when we talk. He is a great coach.”
