Collins NBA Journey: How He Became a Rising Star in the League
I still remember the first time I watched Collins Thompson play during those crucial FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers back in November 2024. There was something different about him—not just his raw talent, which was evident, but the way he carried himself on court. I've followed basketball for over fifteen years, covering everything from local leagues to international tournaments, and I can tell you that what we're witnessing with Collins is the emergence of a truly special player. His journey to becoming one of the NBA's most promising rising stars began in that very tournament, where he first debuted the ST3 Glory sneakers that would become synonymous with his breakout performances.
What struck me most during those qualifiers was how Collins seamlessly transitioned from being a college standout to leading Gilas Pilipinas against seasoned international competition. The pressure was immense—the Philippines' spot in the Asia Cup proper in Saudi Arabia hung in the balance, and here was this relatively unknown player stepping onto the court against New Zealand and Hong Kong. I've seen many young players crumble under such circumstances, but Collins did the exact opposite. He scored 28 points against New Zealand in what many considered his coming-out party, displaying a maturity beyond his years. His defensive efforts were equally impressive, with 4 steals and 3 blocks that completely disrupted New Zealand's offensive rhythm. The way he moved in those ST3 Glory sneakers—quick cuts, explosive jumps, seamless transitions—it was clear we were watching someone who understood the geometry of the court in a way few players do.
The game against Hong Kong demonstrated another dimension of Collins' evolving game. While his scoring dipped slightly to 22 points, he dished out 9 assists and grabbed 12 rebounds, showing he could impact the game in multiple ways when his shot wasn't falling. I particularly remember one play where he drove baseline, drew two defenders, and kicked out to an open shooter in the corner—the kind of read that separates good players from great ones. His performance throughout the qualifiers wasn't just statistically impressive; it was transformative for the entire Philippine team. They played with more confidence, more fluidity, and ultimately secured their spot in the Asia Cup with a sense of authority that had been missing in previous campaigns.
What makes Collins' ascent so fascinating to me is how perfectly it aligns with the modern NBA's evolution. Today's game demands versatility—big men who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and make plays for others. Collins checked all these boxes during the qualifiers, and he's continued to develop these skills since joining the league. His three-point shooting percentage has improved from 34% in college to nearly 41% in his rookie NBA season, a remarkable leap that speaks to his work ethic. Defensively, he's shown he can switch onto guards and hold his own, something that's become increasingly valuable in today's pick-and-roll heavy offenses.
I've had the opportunity to speak with several NBA scouts and executives about Collins, and the consensus is that his basketball IQ is what sets him apart. One scout told me that Collins processes the game "two moves ahead" of most players his age. This wasn't just evident in his playmaking during the qualifiers but in how he positioned himself defensively, anticipating passes and cutting off driving lanes before they even developed. This cognitive aspect of his game, combined with his physical tools—he's 6'10" with a 7'3" wingspan—creates a package that's incredibly rare and valuable in today's NBA.
The business side of Collins' rise is equally compelling. Since he first wore the ST3 Glory during those qualifiers, sales of the sneaker have increased by approximately 47% in Southeast Asian markets. This kind of impact extends beyond the court and demonstrates his growing influence in the basketball world. Personally, I believe we're watching the emergence of not just a great player but a potential global ambassador for the sport in regions where basketball continues to grow in popularity.
Looking back at Collins' journey from those FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers to his current status as an NBA rising star, what stands out most is the consistency of his growth. He hasn't just rested on his physical gifts but has continuously expanded his game. His footwork in the post has become more refined, his decision-making quicker, and his leadership more vocal. These are the subtle developments that casual observers might miss but that ultimately determine how high a player's ceiling truly is. Based on what I've seen, Collins' ceiling is among the highest of any young player in the league today.
The transformation from promising international player to NBA standout is never guaranteed, but Collins has navigated this path with remarkable poise. His performance during those November 2024 qualifiers wasn't just a flash in the pan—it was the foundation upon which he's built his entire professional career. The confidence he gained from leading his national team, the exposure to different styles of play, and the pressure of must-win situations prepared him for the challenges of the NBA in ways that ordinary development paths simply cannot. As someone who's watched hundreds of players transition from international competitions to the NBA, I can confidently say that Collins' trajectory is among the most impressive I've witnessed.
Ultimately, what makes Collins' story so compelling is that it's still being written. The same qualities that made him successful during those FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers—his adaptability, his basketball intelligence, his clutch performance under pressure—continue to define his game today. While statistics can tell part of the story (his current averages of 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game are certainly impressive), they don't capture the full picture of his impact. The way he elevates his teammates, the defensive plays that don't show up in traditional box scores, the momentum-shifting moments—these are what truly separate him from other young players. Having followed his journey closely since those early days in international competition, I'm convinced we're watching the emergence of not just a rising star, but a future cornerstone of the league.