Daimion Collins Injury: New update makes way on LSU's star forward
Former five-star prospect and LSU forward Daimion Collins recently received some great news while preparing for the 2024-25 college basketball season.
Doctors gave the 6-foot-9 cager out of Atlanta High School the go-signal to start basketball-related activities, college basketball Insider Jon Rothstein wrote on his X/Twitter account on Monday as per Tigers coach Matt McMahon.
Collins, who played for two seasons with Kentucky before transferring to LSU this past season, dislocated his right shoulder in a game against North Florida on Nov. 24. He was playing his best game as a Tiger before sustaining the injury, tallying nine points, four rebounds and two blocks in 13 minutes.
In six games, Collins averaged 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 62.5% from the field. In three seasons, the forward played 58 games and averaged 2.6 ppg and 2.0 rpg with a 52.8% shooting clip.
Daimion Collins' comeback from injury to boost LSU's forward rotation in 2024-25 season
Daimion Collins' return from shoulder injury will improve LSU's forward rotation in the 2024-25 college basketball season. He is expected to be one of the key pieces in Matt McMahon's frontcourt alongside Jalen Reed, Derek Fountain and Corey Chest.
Collins' athleticism will be key in his comeback from injury. He is capable of catching lob passes and snaring quick rebounds for putbacks on the offensive end.
On defense, the Atlanta, Texas native is a good helpside defender who can block shots when playing power forward and can keep up with stretch bigs and wing players, as per On3.com.
Despite having an advantage on speed and athleticism, his reed-thin frame could be a deterrent, especially on the low block. Collins could get victimized by bigs, whose specialty is to muscle their way to the hoop for an easy basket.
Bulking up during the offseason could address this issue as long as Collins keeps the speed and athleticism he is known for during his high school days and his time with Kentucky.
The LSU Tigers finished the 2023-24 season with a 17-16 mark and placed joint seventh in the SEC at 9-9. They were selected to take part in the NIT but were ousted in the first round by North Texas.
Matt McMahon will hope to rekindle the magic he had as coach of Murray State, where he guided the Racers to three NCAA Tournament appearances from 2017-2022. The 2024-25 season will be his third year as LSU coach and this time around, the team should be solid enough to contend in the 16-team SEC and secure a NCAA Tournament bid.
Will Daimion Collins help LSU get an NCAA Tournament bid this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.