Collins commits to Wildcats

Atlanta's Daimion Collins attacks the rim for the Rabbs last season. Atlanta finished the season as district champs, 12-0. (Submitted photo)
Atlanta's Daimion Collins attacks the rim for the Rabbs last season. Atlanta finished the season as district champs, 12-0. (Submitted photo)

ATLANTA, Texas - College basketball fans around the country awaited the college decision of Atlanta's Daimion Collins.

Collins is a 5-star prospect who's highly regarded as one of the nation's top power forwards. On multiple recruiting platforms such as 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals all have Collins listed as No. 2 at his position and No. 10 overall nationally.

Collins committed to the University of Kentucky Saturday at a small ceremony at the Rabbs' Gym.

"It feels great because the recruitment process was different because of COVID-19," Collins said. "I knew where I wanted to go and there was no better time than now.

"I just recently decided about a month ago to commit because I had some really good options that I was looking into. It was a tough decision."

Collins led the Rabbs to a district championship and a 30-5 record during his junior season, last winter.

"For me, it's more about Daimion more than anything," Atlanta's head coach Jarrod Boston said. "He's improved so much. He's put the time in over the summer. He's really put the time and effort in since we started in the fall. He's just been working so hard.

"I'm just looking to see how his game and skills have improved. We're going to move him out on the floor a little bit and let him do some things we thing he can do. He's shown to be able to do some more things, such as dribbling a little more and taking some more outside shots. I'm really looking forwards to gawking at the blocks and dunks. I told him I'm going to have to be a whole lot better coach next year once he leaves us."

Although Kentucky assistant coach Jai Lucas wasn't Collins primary recruiter, their relationship from Lucas' post at the University of Texas, helped with his familiarity with the Wildcats' staff.

"Me and coach Lucas were real close when he was at Texas," Collins said. "Coach Justice is my recruiter at Kentucky but you know, me and coach Lucas still talk from time to time. We're going to keep our relationship close."

Collins chose UK over Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and a host of other premier college basketball programs.

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