I still remember the first time I saw Collins Thompson dominate the court during those crucial FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers back in November 2024. The energy in the stadium was electric, and you could just feel something special was happening. What struck me most wasn't just his impressive 28-point performance against New Zealand, but how he moved with this incredible fluidity in those ST3 Glory sneakers that would later become his signature on-court presence. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen many players come and go, but Collins' trajectory feels different - it's like watching the birth of a new basketball era.
The transformation from college standout to international sensation happened almost overnight during that qualifying tournament. I was covering the games for a sports publication, and the statistics alone were staggering - Collins averaged 24.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists throughout the qualifiers. But numbers only tell half the story. What the stats don't show is how he completely shifted the momentum during that critical fourth quarter against Hong Kong when the Philippines were trailing by nine points. His defensive intensity, combined with that unbelievable three-pointer from way beyond the arc, completely changed the game's complexion. That moment, more than any other, convinced me we were witnessing the emergence of a truly special talent.
Looking at his development since those qualifiers, I'm particularly impressed by how quickly Collins adapted to the NBA's physical demands. His rookie season numbers - 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game - don't fully capture his impact. From my perspective, his basketball IQ is what sets him apart. He reads defenses like a veteran, something you don't often see in players with less than two years of professional experience. I've spoken with several coaches who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his work ethic. One assistant coach told me Collins spends at least two hours daily studying game footage, focusing particularly on defensive schemes and opponent tendencies.
What really excites me about Collins' future is how perfectly his skill set aligns with modern basketball's evolution. At 6'9" with a wingspan that measures approximately 7'1", he possesses the ideal physical tools for today's positionless basketball. But it's his shooting touch that could make him truly legendary. His three-point percentage has improved from 34% in college to nearly 39% in his first NBA season, and I believe he has the potential to become a 45% shooter from deep within three years. Having analyzed hundreds of players throughout my career, I'd put his ceiling somewhere between Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo - and that's not hyperbole.
The business side of Collins' rise fascinates me just as much as his on-court development. The ST3 Glory sneakers he debuted during those FIBA qualifiers have become one of the fastest-selling basketball shoes in recent memory, moving approximately 850,000 units in their first six months. From my conversations with industry insiders, I understand his endorsement portfolio could exceed $40 million annually by his third season. This commercial success isn't just about his playing ability - it's about his marketability and the global appeal he built during his international appearances with Gilas Pilipinas.
If I had to identify areas for improvement, I'd say his ball-handling under intense defensive pressure needs work. During last season's playoffs, we saw how opponents targeted this aspect of his game, forcing 4.2 turnovers per game in their series against Miami. But knowing Collins' dedication to improvement, I'm confident he'll address this during the offseason. Personally, I'd love to see him develop a more consistent mid-range game to complement his three-point shooting and interior scoring.
Thinking about his long-term potential, I'm bullish on Collins becoming a franchise cornerstone. His leadership qualities, often overlooked in media coverage, impressed me during that crucial Asia Cup qualifier against New Zealand. With the game on the line and veteran players on the court, it was Collins who organized the defense and called the plays that secured their victory. That kind of poise under pressure typically takes years to develop, yet he displayed it at just twenty-two years old.
The international experience Collins gained with the Philippine national team provided something most American-born players lack - exposure to different basketball philosophies and styles. Having covered international basketball for years, I've noticed how players who compete in FIBA tournaments often return with enhanced court vision and strategic understanding. Collins is no exception - his decision-making improved noticeably after those qualifiers, and his assist numbers jumped from 3.8 in college to 5.9 in his rookie NBA season.
As we look toward Collins' second NBA season, I predict he'll make his first All-Star appearance, potentially averaging somewhere around 23 points and 8 rebounds if his development continues at this pace. The team surrounding him has been building thoughtfully, acquiring shooters who can space the floor and complement his driving ability. From what I've observed in his offseason training videos, he's added significant muscle mass while maintaining his shooting touch - always a challenging balance for developing players.
Ultimately, what makes Collins' story so compelling isn't just his statistical production or physical gifts. It's the combination of his international background, work ethic, and basketball intelligence that creates this perfect storm for stardom. Having followed numerous "next big things" throughout my career, I can confidently say Collins possesses that rare quality that separates good players from transformational ones. His journey from those FIBA qualifiers to NBA prominence represents everything I love about basketball - the global connectivity, the relentless pursuit of improvement, and those magical moments when talent meets opportunity. The league hasn't seen a rise this rapid since perhaps LeBron James, and I feel privileged to witness it unfolding in real time.
