Kentucky transfer Daimion Collins commits to LSU
Former Kentucky forward Daimion Collins will be transferring closer to home, but it won’t be in Texas. Instead, he’ll be joining another SEC program less than five hours away from his hometown, committing to LSU and head coach Matt McMahon.
The former five-star recruit chose the Tigers on Thursday, announcing his decision through On3’s Joe Tipton.
The 6-foot-9, 210-pound sophomore averaged 1.9 points and 1.9 rebounds in 2022-23 after putting up 2.9 points and 2.0 rebounds per contest as a freshman in 2021-22. He never averaged more than 7.9 minutes per contest as a Wildcat.
A native of Atlanta, Texas, Collins was the No. 15 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Coming out of high school, he picked Kentucky over Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, and Kansas.
“Dear Big Blue Nation, in the last two years, I have encountered so many amazing people and had some incredible memories that I will cherish a lifetime,” Collins announced upon entering the portal back on April 21. “To my teammates, thank you for the strong bond and brotherhood. We challenged and supported each other every day, and it actually made us better. I’m forever grateful for the valuable experiences we shared together. I want to take a moment to thank Coach Cal and staff, for giving me the opportunity to represent BBN and continue my growth as a young man.
“While this has been a difficult decision, it’s the best decision for my future. With that being said I will be entering the transfer portal.”
After losing his father, Ben Collins, to open his sophomore campaign, along with his grandfather to open the offseason, his decision allows him to stay within driving distance to home — something that just wasn’t possible in Lexington.
“Daimion Collins had a year I wouldn’t wish on anyone & has been through more than any player should, including losing his grandfather in the last week,” John Calipari said at the time. “He’s a talented player & a good person w/ a bright future. (Daimion) and his family know that I’ll always be here for them.”
LSU finished the 2022-23 season No. 14 overall in the SEC with an overall record of 14-19. Now, the former Wildcat gives the Tigers a long, athletic forward with endless potential to build around going into next season’s campaign.
Best of luck in Baton Rouge, D-Law.
2023-24 Kentucky Basketball Roster Tracker
Leaving: Cason Wallace (NBA Draft), Jacob Toppin (NBA Draft), Sahvir Wheeler (Transfer Portal → Washington), CJ Fredrick (Transfer Portal → Cincinnati), Daimion Collins (Transfer Portal → LSU), Lance Ware (Transfer Portal → Villanova)
Staying: Ugonna Onyenso, Brennan Canada, Adou Thiero
Testing NBA Draft waters: Antonio Reeves, Oscar Tshiebwe, Chris Livingston
Coming In: DJ Wagner, Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards, Aaron Bradshaw, Reed Sheppard
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