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UCLA Basketball: Former Bruin Darren Collison retires from the NBA

By Mike Regalado

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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After a ten year stint in the NBA, former UCLA Basketball player Darren Collison is retiring from the association to follow a higher calling.

After ten years and five teams, Darren Collison is calling it a career in the NBA. The former UCLA basketball announced on Friday that he is moving on from basketball to focus on family and his faith.

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Collison, who was a standout at UCLA during the Ben Howland era, explained his decision in a piece published by The Undefeated.

"I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched. With that being said, I have decided to retire from the NBA."

This should come as a shock to no one, especially UCLA fans who have always known Collison to the epitome of selflessness.

In the article, Collison discusses his passion for the game and how he wouldn’t be the player he is without the help and support of some of the NBA’s biggest stars, including former teammate, Russell Westbrook.

But his love for the game has been surpassed but his passion for his faith. Collison also thanked those that have been close to him, including his friends, family and his wife, Keyosha.

Collison was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2009 after four years at UCLA. As a pro, he was a part of five teams: New Orleans, the Indiana Pacers, the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Sacramento Kings. During that time he averaged 12.5 points, 1.2 steals and had a 3-point shooting percentage of .394.

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While at UCLA, Collison averaged 11.5 points and 4.1 assists per game and shot .475 for his career. He also helped the Bruins reach three consecutive Final Fours.