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NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 10 teams in running for 5-star Daimion Collins

By Tristan Freeman

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 13: Shaka Smart of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams calls a play during the game against the Richmond Spiders in the quarterfinals of the men's Atlantic 10 tournament on March 13, 2015 at the Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Rams defeated the Spiders 70-67. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 13: Shaka Smart of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams calls a play during the game against the Richmond Spiders in the quarterfinals of the men's Atlantic 10 tournament on March 13, 2015 at the Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Rams defeated the Spiders 70-67. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 01: Matt Coleman III #2 of the Texas Longhorns talks to his teammates, (L-R) Jericho Sims #20, Courtney Ramey #3, Donovan Williams #4 and Kai Jones #22 (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 01: Matt Coleman III #2 of the Texas Longhorns talks to his teammates, (L-R) Jericho Sims #20, Courtney Ramey #3, Donovan Williams #4 and Kai Jones #22 (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

2. Texas Longhorns

For those who have followed the early stages of Collins’ recruitment, the Longhorns have emerged as the early favorite to land him. It makes all kinds of sense from the outside, given that they can offer him everything he would want as a freshman. The big-time program, top-100 talent to surround him, and immediate playing time.

Collins certainly will be needed after next season, with center Jericho Sims being a rising senior and incoming five-star power forward Greg Brown likely around for year one year. Backup bigs Will Baker and Kai Jones have potential but may also be transfer candidates if they don’t get much playing time in 2020-21.

Collins would follow a line of centers that have thrived under head coach Shaka Smart. They’ve had multiple NBA Draft picks at that position, including Mo Bamba, Jarrett Allen, and Jaxson Hayes. And considering that those players and Collins have similar playing styles and are defensive-oriented, you can see a smooth transition that would allow him to be a star in his own right.

There are far more positives than potential negatives and it certainly won’t be a surprise if Collins lands in Austin. The only thing keeping them from being No. 1 is the possibility that Coach Smart doesn’t get another year. This program has underachieved in recent years and if this upcoming squad doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament with everyone returning, the Longhorns may go in another direction. If that happens, Collins may go elsewhere.

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