Remembering Darren Collison's impact on the Bruins

Darren Collison is a legendary UCLA point guard. One that first came to UCLA as an off the bench player. Transforming into one of the best starting point guards the school has ever had. Always known as a very smart player, pesky defender, and could shoot the ball. His freshman season is when UCLA went to the title game and lost the Florida. Although he didn’t play as much, he was used as a defensive stopper.

Moving into his sophomore year with the departure of Jordan Farmar. Collison stepped into the starting role. Starting 102 of 103 games over the next three years. Culminating into his growth each season as his game got better each year. His junior year he had one of the most efficient shooting seasons of 48.1/52.5/87.2. Yes, you read that correctly he shot 52.5% from 3-point range.

Collison was a part of three Final Four teams under the Ben Howland era. he was seen as a key contributor in the rapid growth of Russell Westbrook as well at UCLA. Who has now become one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Collison himself turned out to be a pretty good NBA player himself, adding to a rich history of NBA players that attended UCLA. Averaging 12.5 points and five assists per game over 712 career NBA games.

It is worth highlighting the accomplishments that he had with the Bruins, because it is very rare that you see players stay all four years. He helped build himself a legacy and put himself on UCLA all time leaderboards with his stats. He had the opportunity to leave after a solid junior season and stayed. Making him a first round pick at number 21 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. The same draft that also saw his backcourt mate Jrue Holiday selected at number 17.