Saint Louis Basketball: Takeaways from 3-0 start to 2021-22 season

FAIRFAX, VA - MARCH 04: Head coach Travis Ford of the Saint Louis Billikens signals to his players during a college basketball game against the George Mason Patriots at the Eagle Bank Arena on March 4, 2020 in Fairfax, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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Yuri Collins #1 of the Saint Louis Billikens (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Impact of Yuri Collins

The third-year point is the floor general. During his first two seasons, he has averaged 5.7 assists per game, and this season he is taking his game to an even better place. The numbers reveal his expanded game. His scoring average is up from 5.1 to 9.6 points per game. After recording only six assists on Friday, his average dropped to 9.3 per game.

Collins has handed out 28 assists and committed just three turnovers. He is in utter command. Coach Ford told me Collins is humble, works hard, and cares deeply about team success.

"“He is in control of our team,” said Ford. “I sleep pretty good at night knowing that. We’re three games in and I can’t imagine there being too many better point guards in America, especially for what he means to our basketball team. He’s special.”"

Last season the 6’0 sophomore was tenth nationally in assists per game (6.1) and 19th in assist-to-turnover margin (2.83).

Collins is another St. Louis product and is his high school’s all-time assists leader.

He is the player that settles teammates, makes sure the offense is run properly, and sparks the defense. While creating all those problems, Collins is able to stay on the floor. He has committed just five fouls in three games.

Collins’ ability to calm his teammates and run efficient offense will be a huge key when visiting a sold-out FedEx Forum against that long and talented Memphis team on Tuesday. For Saint Louis to compete and perhaps defeat Penny Hardaway’s team, the floor general has to command his troops.

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