Daimion Collins adding strength, confidence ahead of sophomore season

Kentucky sophomore big man Daimion Collins is a breakout season away from possibly elevating the 2022-23 Wildcats into a tier of its own. The lanky 6-foot-9 native of Texas showcased plenty of raw potential as a freshman, but a lack of consistency relegated him to the bench as the schedule toiled along. Despite coming to Lexington as a prized five-star recruit, he elected to return for another season as he looks to mold himself into the lottery pick he’s been projected as in the past.

Throughout the offseason, Collins has been working plenty on his game, but it’s been in the weight room and the kitchen where he’s building himself into a more well-rounded basketball player.

“Daimion has put on some weight. He doesn’t look like it, he’s still wiry, but he’s a lot stronger,” Kentucky assistant coach Chin Coleman said on Thursday. “He’s just one of those human beings who’s not going to put on a lot of bulk right now. But he’s a lot stronger.”

As a freshman, Collins appeared in 27 games for the Wildcats, including one start against North Florida in which he dropped 12 points, six rebounds, and three blocks — arguably his best outing of the year. He averaged 2.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in just 7.4 minutes per contest, falling out of the rotation once SEC play rolled around.

Collins said last month that he never once thought of transferring out of Kentucky despite a rocky rookie season. The plan all along was to develop his body (remember, he never lifted weights prior to attending UK) and play him regularly once he reaches a satisfactory level. A new strength and conditioning coach, Brady Welsh, looks to be doing wonders early on. Not just for Collins, but for the likes of Jacob Toppin, Lance Ware, and Sahvir Wheeler, as well.

“Physically, you’ll notice some physical things with them. Both of them have gotten a lot stronger. But more importantly than anything else is their confidence,” Associate head coach Orlando Antigua said on Thursday of both Collins and Toppin. “Their confidence comes from the work that they put in. A lot of them have put in a lot of quality work in the spring and summer. You’ll be able to see Daimion getting to the 1-2 dribble pull-ups, shooting the three, getting to his jump hooks.”

The ceiling for a prospect such as Collins isn’t one you can see right now. A 6-foot-9 shot-blocker with otherworldly athleticism is already a scary thought. Add in the dribble pull-ups plus an outside shot and the possibilities feel endless.