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Kansas guard Sherron Collins gets the crowd going in the final minutes of Saturday's game against Nebraska.
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Sherron Collins says the most memorable game of his four-year Kansas University basketball career — besides the obvious 2008 national title game against Memphis — is an 80-77 home victory over Missouri his freshman year.
Jan. 15, 2007, is the day Collins scored 23 points in 26 minutes and believes he finally showed he could contribute on the major-college level in a big way.
“I hit a big three at the end of the game. It probably meant the most to me. I knew I could score. I hadn’t had a chance to show it,” said Collins, KU’s 5-foot-11 senior McDonald’s All-American out of Chicago’s Crane High, who will play his last home game Wednesday versus Kansas State.
“After that game, I was one of the best guards in the conference the whole month of February. The confidence coach showed in me was unbelievable. I was so young, I didn’t think I’d have a chance to do that. I did it, and it was perfect.”
Teammate Brady Morningstar joked that he remembered that game as well, because Collins lost his shoe and hobbled down the court to try to play defense on one leg.
“That was pretty funny,” Morningstar said.
Sophomore Markieff Morris also has a fond memory of Collins on the lighter side.
“(I remember) him running with only his compression shorts on. Taking his shorts off and just running,” Morris said of a KU practice session last season.
Remember, Darrell Arthur was the first KU player to strip down to compression shorts while totally exhausted at KU’s preseason Boot Camp.
“It was a day when we shot free throws, and if you missed, the whole team had to run,” Morris said. “It was one of those days. I just remember Sherron doing it. Everybody was getting a kick out of it.”
Junior Cole Aldrich can’t talk about his buddy Collins without getting a tad sentimental.
“This is a little heartbreaking for me,” Aldrich said of Collins’ upcoming Senior Day. “I know how much he’s gone through for four years. He is the pulse of our team, a guy everybody looks to in tough times and easy times.”
Aldrich bets that Collins “probably will cry (Wednesday). I might shed a tear myself, just because of all the memories. That’s what will come out of his college experience, all the memories fans created for him and guys on the team.”
Wednesday could also be the final home game in the careers of NBA prospects Aldrich and freshman Xavier Henry.
Aldrich was asked if he was thinking of it as his own Senior Day.
“Not really,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to getting Sherron through it and getting through a fun game.”
Health update
Collins was asked how he’s feeling physically as his senior year winds down.
“100 percent healthy,” he said. “Everybody’s body is a little tired and banged up this time of year, bumps and bruises. I’m a little sore. Everything else is fine. I’m ready to roll.”
KU coach Bill Self was asked if Collins was as explosive as he was in high school.
“He used to dunk on people in high school in the halfcourt offense. He didn’t need a running start to do it,” Self said. “He’s not quite as explosive, but he’s a better basketball player.”
Slam-dunk choice
Collins recalled his recruitment to KU on Monday in Allen Fieldhouse. He chose the Jayhawks over Illinois and Iowa.
“I was kind of set on coming here. It was between Kansas and Illinois, but after Late Night, it was sold. I was ready to commit immediately (after visit to Late Night in Phog),” Collins said. “My coach (Anthony Longstreet) was, ‘You’ve got to give it a little bit of time.’ Not the first day after Late Night, but the second day I committed.
“It was perfect. The crowd was crazy. Every time I walked off the court, they clapped for me. Every time I came back on the court, they clapped for me. They yelled my name and wanted autographs. I knew Julian Wright, and that was a plus,” Collins added of the fellow Chicago native. “We played for the same AAU team and coach. It was a given pretty much. I wanted to get away from home, so it was a perfect scenario.”
Behind the Lens: Game Over April 19, 2012
Jeff Withey says he considered leaving early April 9, 2012
Final thoughts following KU's run to national championship game April 3, 2012
Elijah Johnson and Tyshawn Taylor post-game interviews April 3, 2012
Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson: Linked through their KU careers April 2, 2012
Comments
Timmay97 (anonymous) says…
Hey Sherron.......very wise choice! Gonna miss you my man!
KANSTUCKY (anonymous) says…
The football team could use an extra hand if you want to stick around another year.
d_prowess (anonymous) says…
The Fieldhouse crowd needs to be ready on Wednesday night. This should be the best "crowd" game of the year because we owe it to Sherron to take him out in style.
jhox (anonymous) says…
Sherron isn't the most physically gifted Jayhawk ever, but he's the toughest I've seen here, and I've been watching KU basketball closely since around 1971. I've also never seen a player at KU who so hated to lose (I'd rate Hinrich a close second.)
We're going to miss him. What a great leader he's become. On one of the recent televised games one of the announcers compared him to Tim Tebow in terms of leadership qualities. What a well deserved compliment.
FSUJHAWK (anonymous) says…
Sherron Collins is legend!!!
rcjhgku!!!
jhawkroger (anonymous) says…
If Sherron is the pulse of the Jayhawks we could be in trouble or visiting the local cardiologist to see if we can get the pulse regulated. Sherron played like a true lion when he did not think that he was the main man on the team. Since he has taken over the leadership role (his words not mine) he has had way too many turnovers, erratic shooting and less than stellar defense. All of this I attribute to a head that has become way too large for the hat. If KU is going to go deep in the Dance, he is going to have to come back to earth and play like he is capable. A little less hot dogging and a whole lot less mustard.
raprichard (anonymous) says…
It never ceases to amaze me that people will take every chance they get to tear down a player. Has Sherron been perfect this year? Absolutely not. Personally, I think he is putting too much pressure on himself and not playing as free as he has in the past. But there is no way this team would be anywhere close to where it is without him. His greatest value isn't always in scoring or creating assists, but in what he does for the psyche of the team.
From everything I have ever read or heard, this entire team has unshakable confidence in Sherron. When we need a basket the most, Sherron takes over. In OT at KSU, was there any question who was going to take the shot? Still, with everyone knowing Sherron was the one, he comes through. Remember last year at OU? Three for three with Warren? Unbelievable. Sherron makes mistakes and is occasionally going to make an unfortunate turnover or miss when we really need a basket, but more often than not, he will lead this team through adversity. He knows how to stop an opposing team's run. He knows how to create--or kill--momentum when needed. Perhaps most importantly, he knows how to win when it is all on the line. When this team needs someone to calm them down and point them in the right direction, they look to Sherron.
I get tired of hearing comments saying Sherron is hotdogging or has a big head. I am interested in hearing other people's answers to this question: If you could have anyone on this team with the ball in their hands with 10 seconds to go and down one point, who would you want to have the ball? Along those same lines, if you could have anyone in the country in that scenario, who would it be? Other than maybe John Wall (I haven't seen anyone able to stop him from driving when he puts his mind to it, although I wonder what he would do in a really big game), I can't think of anyone I would choose over Sherron. Even saying that, I don't think Wall has a very good jumpshot. I am sure there are others that deserve consideration, but knowing how badly he wants to win, his ability to drive and score or pass to the open player, and the ability to pull up, I will put my faith in Sherron.
Sherron wants to win as much or more than any Jayhawk I can remember in the last 15 years. That is his true value to this team.
supermario15 (anonymous) says…
roger: could not disagree more with your comments.so SC went into a bit of a funk....it happens to ALL players in every sport.if Sherron is leading this team then I could not be more confident that he will do whatever possible to bring home the 2nd NC in 3 years
moorobs5 (anonymous) says…
Prediction: jhawkroger's opinion won't be well received.
jhawkroger (anonymous) says…
moorobs5
Your prediction could not be more on the money. I didn't figure it would be. It is my opinion and just that. As to rap, I am confident that Sherron wants to win but you will never convience me that he is the only one that I want to have the ball with one shot left and one point down. I can think of several on this team that I would feel very comfortable with in that position. Morningstar, Reed, Henry, The Twins, and even Taylor can step when necessary. I guess we will find out if he is fishing or cutting bait tomorrow.
supermario15 (anonymous) says…
really roger?you'd want it in Brady's hands with the game on the line?cause I sure don't
kranny (anonymous) says…
The steal and the shot against Memphis and the shot against KState this year is all the convincing I need to put the ball in Collins' hands when the game is on the line.
melrank (anonymous) says…
roger - I appreciate your confidence in our team, but seriously, has any of those guys ever and I mean ever hit a game winning basket as a Jayhawk? Perhaps, but I'd need some help remembering it.
Other than a couple of the huge shots Tyshawn made last year against OU, how many really clutch buckets have any of these guys made in serious crunch time in a big game? Still not a lot.
FYI There's a reason Sherron has the ball at the top of the key when seconds are ticking down . . . he's a creator and has nerves of steel. Coach knows he's our best chance to get points with the game on the line in the last few seconds. This is almost ludicrous to discuss any other option.
Strikewso (anonymous) says…
Don't forget the big 3 he made late against Davidson. That saved us.
mikendal (KUFanSince1975) says…
Sherron is the man, folks! As ESPN would say on Selection Sunday--- "considering his full body of work, he's done well."
jujubean (anonymous) says…
It hasn't been as easy for Sherron this season as he, and others, probably expected. But that means nothing in the grand scheme of all things Jayhawk. This guy has been more important over 4 seasons in Lawrence than possibly anyone not named Danny Manning.
Do you remember how special this guy was as a freshman? Do you remember there would be no "Mario's Miracle" without the unbelievable plays by #4 leading up to it? Can you imagine what last year might have been like without #4?
And the best part, regardless of how it ends up, is he has a chance to lead this team to another Final 4. I don't remember the last time there was such a clear cut team leader as Sherron Collins at KU.
I admire the kid and I hope he gets the chance to have a very special Senior Night. Thank you Sherron.
ralster (anonymous) says…
Roger is simply another Sherron-hater. Following RussRob's rock steady A/T ratio and ridiculous defensive prowess, there is a segment of KU fans that cannot appreciate what Sherron brings to the KU team. Let me put it to you in the words of Sherron's highschool coach quoting Bill Self (while recruiting Sherron): "I need a guard who has skills, orneriness, and toughness to give my team all that to help us win the NC. Thats the missing piece..." It seems Bill Self was wildly correct, and gave us the 08 Championship. Sherron is the emotional and bigtimeballer heart of this team--ask Willie Warren. You cannot bench a guy like that in a critical stretch. He. Must. Play. You people forgot the definition of go-to guy. So he happens to be the primary guard as well. Jayhawk Nation--a house divided? Maybe not, maybe just some KU fans havent understood the dynamic Sherron was recruited to bring to our program. Roys teams soft. Self's teams not. (exception-games for both styles, of course). In the Roy era, other than Hinrich and maybe Vaughn, we never got tough-azz guards like Will Bynum or Jarrett Jack. Then Self arrives and we get a whole lot tougher at guard. He gets Sherron, and sadly 4yrs later, some of you still dont understand the paradigm has shifted in guard philosophy under our new head coach, Bill Self...
ralster (anonymous) says…
Probably the least credible theory posted, uh, Roger, is that line about giving Brady or Reed or the Twins the ball with the clock winding down with the game's last shot attempt...good god, man, have you ever played basketball? With the intent to win? You cant give a post man the ball at the top of the key, so the Twins are out. You give the ball to the most skilled ball handler, and the most skilled scorer. You also have to give it to the "baller" with the most cojones. How on earth do you think that would be Morn'Star or Reed? Taylor would be the only possibility, but his confidence is streaky at this point (only a soph). Collins never lacks confidence. Collins=swagger.
--------------------------
Win or lose (cant win them all, but did win a NC with him...), I will take my chances with Mr. Sherron Collins. And thats with all due respect to his KU teammates--nothing says they cant be the Man later in their KU careers. But speaking analytically, Sherron with the ball can make anything happen. Usually, thats good things, and thats all you can ask for. MJ himself said in that famous commercial: "Ive missed 37 potential game winning shots...".
ralster (anonymous) says…
Sure, Roger, its a free country, and you are free to believe what you want to believe. But here is the difference between you and me: I consider myself Jayhawk Faithful, and that train has already left, brother, and is headed to the Madness with Self and Collins leading it. We may win it all, or we may get derailed/blown-up in the Final4 or Elite8, who knows...But in the end, win OR lose, I can honestly say: "I believed in them". And you, sir, cannot say that--you simply are waiting to say "I told you so" (am I right????). Hoping we win "despite" certain players, is simply not = to believing in them. Years ago, I believed in MJ, win or lose (he didnt win them all, but that is still a warm memory in my heart). If you still dont get it, this is the time to simply believe in our guys and let them do their thing. They dont need any of us to tell them squat or second guess or anything, as that would be insulting to our coaching staff. Jeez, figure it out, man...either enjoy the ride or get off this train. Not a time for a weak stomach, as every team will lose, except for one. Not a time for scaredy-cats.
jhawkroger (anonymous) says…
Raister, I am glad that you consider yourself Jayhawk Faithful and will drink the Kool Aid because it is blue. But because I don't believe that Sherron is the do all, end all for the Jayhawks does not exclude me from being one of the faithful. I would dare say that I was faithful to the Jayhawks prior to you being a twinkle in your mothers eye but that is not the point of this discussion. Sherron Collins has done many many wonderful things for the Jayhawks and probably will do more before his season comes to an end. If you believe that his performance has been above comment that is fine, I don't. But please, because someone questions the lad, don't tell someone to get off the train. I would bet that probably believe that the current state of affairs in the United States is great and the leaders of this land have everything under control. Hope to see you in Indianapolis.
jhawkroger (anonymous) says…
Raister,
Ever been in Allen when the floor was dirt?
ralster (anonymous) says…
Roger,
While I was/am critical of some of your comments, please do not take insult from any of mine, for that wasnt intended. No, Ive never seen dirt floors in AFH, as Im only 43yrs old, and grew up in Wichita watching WSU in the 80s and MJ on TV. Became a Jayhawk when I started at a KU professional school in 1989, and Ive never stopped playing fast 5on5 basketball, even to this day-->I am a true believer in Self's philosophies, and put them to effect 2-3 times/week. Your point about Sherron not being the do-all, end-all for Jayhawk basketball is a true statement in the broader sense because no 1star team can win it all. MJ could score 50 or 60pts and the 80s Bulls still lost. KU's 2star team last season got as far as it could. My point is Sherron knows he cannot carry KU alone. He himself knows he isnt the end-all, be-all. My 'missing piece' point (Self's own words) is in reference to the confidence, heart, swagger, fieriness that Sherron brings to the team, even before tip-off. That is my only point, and that is also why his greatness transcends a few bad statistical outings, or even if we lose before April 5. What Self has built-in to the KU program is a "win-machine" greater than the sum of its parts, with the 08 Champs the ultimate example of that, and these '10 Hawks not far behind (usually we can win ugly, too). Sherron is only a part of that team, but since he is senior, and the chief ballhandler, it is referred to as "his" team, metaphorically speaking. Most of us know what is meant by that. As a proud KU alum (will always drink Self's koolaid) just have a hard time berating one of our own graduating seniors, especially when his 'style of play' leaves his heart out there every game. I hope you can enjoy someone's last few outings as a Jayhawk. Good Day.
ralster (anonymous) says…
I wont talk politics on this site (or any site). USA has alot of problems, I dont pretend to have any of the answers, even in my own profession. And whatever party is in power, they clearly struggle with their own agenda...The only thing that seems to please 70% of the populace, is compromise & working together, and so far its all just lip service, IMHO...This is why Im such a staunch supporter of KU ball--what a diversion it serves from the quagmire that the 'real' issues are stuck in...
raprichard (anonymous) says…
roger,
Your posts are missing the point. You are entitled to your opinion, but you yourself said you expected your post would not be popular. The reason I have a problem with it is not because you expressed your opinion, it's that you spent half your original post simply dogging Sherron.
A head that has become way too large for the hat ...come back to earth... A little less hot dogging and a whole lot less mustard.
Exactly what do you base these comments on? Is it hot dogging when Sherron hoists a three that maybe isn't the best shot? Is his head way too large for his hat when he claps his hands, yells and runs off during a timeout and jumps against another player in excitement? I'm pretty sure he feels some self-imposed pressure to lead this team to a Bix XII title and a national championship. Because of that I think Sherron has a tendency to press things occasionally and make a poor decision. However, he almost always makes up for it.
Not once this year have I seen anything I thought was hot dogging, and I would like you to tell me what he has done that you consider hot dogging.
Do you seriously want the ball in Tyrel's or Brady's hands with 10 seconds down two?
By the way, the Kool Aid is blue and red.
raprichard (anonymous) says…
Well said, ralster. At least with the KU stuff. I'm not going down the road of commenting on politics.