Anthony Collins Rising

Not even insane coaches have been able to rattle Collins this season.

The Bulls are a surprising 6-3 in league play this season, breaking their win total from last season (glad to put that year behind us) and have a chance to equal the 2009-2010 season total of 9 wins (long shot, but there is a chance). The Bulls have won close games at the buzzer, have been able to score tons of points, and have been able to lock opponents down on defense as well. So what has been the reason for the big turnover?  While many players have contributed, one continues to shine in his first year, Anthony Collins.

We have spoken at great length about the progression of the freshman guard, but after watching his performance against Providence on Sunday, the progression is even further ahead than many expected.

Anthony has started 15 games now, leading the USF offense as they continue through league play.  The freshman has become a decisive passer, making excellent decisions and driving to the hoop and making plays. 

This season, he is averaging 6.5 points per game (has 111 points on the season) including a career high 15 points against Providence.  He was 2 for 3 from 3-point range, something he has not shown all season, a deep shot.  He is not a long range threat, instead, attacking the paint and breaking ankles along the way. He leads the team with 85 assists on the season, which is 4 assists per game.  He also has 52 turnovers on the season as well, but as a young freshman battling some of the toughest teams in college basketball, he is learning fast.  He has 31 steals on the season and shoots 81% from the free throw line, making the points when he has to and locking down on defense.

Many thought having a freshman point guard learning on the job would be rough and at times, Collins has had some rough stretches, but compared to the point guard play from last season, its night and day.  Now, we aren't trying to bash Anthony Crater, but the numbers he put up last season compared to the display Collins has put on are startling.  Last year, Crater averaged 3.9 points per game, scoring a grand total of 118 points, so Collins is set to break that mark.  Crater had 137 assists over the season (including the tournament games) which is right at 4 assists per game, and had 76 turnovers on the season, so the numbers are very similar.  He shot just 60% from the free throw line as well, not making clutch shots when he had the chance.

Considering Collins is a freshman and missed some time at the start of the season, the young man is learning on the job at a fast rate.  As the Bulls continue to push for more wins during this strong season, they will need the young point guard to continue to get better and lead the attack.