Zack Collins, Freshman, Forward/Center, Gonzaga
Overview:
Zach Collins used a strong NCAA Tournament performance to solidify himself as a lottery-caliber draft prospect. As part of a crowded and experienced frontcourt at Gonzaga, he didn’t start a single game and averaged just 17.3 minutes per game. Despite the limited playing time, Collins still had outstanding per-40 minute numbers. Standing seven feet tall, he has excellent size for a power forward and could easily slide to center once he adds some more bulk to his frame. Collins is still a raw player, but has potential to be a versatile asset in the NBA on both ends of the floor.
Collins’ size and athleticism is what established him as an NBA prospect. He is a legitimate seven-footer and has impressive mobility for his size. He runs the floor well and can finish above the rim in the open floor. In the half-court, Collins isn’t advanced in any one area but shows potential in just about every aspect of the game. He compiles most of his offensive production on easy buckets at the rim. He gets behind the defense in transition, rolls off of screens and positions himself for lob opportunities. He’s a quick leaper and has reliable hands, which helped him finish 67.2% of his field goals inside the arc.
Where Collins can become a significant weapon is with his offensive versatility. He’s not a reliable jump shooter yet, but he did go 10-21 from three at Gonzaga. He also shot a modest 74.3% from the free-throw line, displaying a promising shooting stroke. He will need to work on speeding up his release and gaining more confidence in his shot. With his size, Collins will also be expected to do some work in the post, where he showed flashes. He was able to get to his spots and hit simple post shots, but scouts will be concerned about the level of his competition. In order for him to become a consistent big man in the NBA, Collins will need to add strength to survive in the paint. He has just average length for his size as well, which can make it difficult for him to score over the top. It would also be beneficial for Collins to improve his decision making. With his reduced playing time, he lacks maturity and is still developing his feel for the game, as he had just 16 assists compared to 60 turnovers.
Where Collins can also make his presence felt is on the defensive end of the floor. He averaged 1.8 blocks per game, which translates to 4.1 per 40 minutes. He doesn’t have elite length for his size but with 18 total blocks in the NCAA Tournament, he showcased his ability to protect the rim. Collins will need to add strength to defend the post, especially if he is used as a center. Collins does have the mobility to step out and defend ball screens, a key skill in today’s perimeter-oriented NBA. He was a tremendous rebounder at Gonzaga as well. He grabbed 13.6 boards per 40 minutes, displaying the ability to box out and chase down loose balls. He is still quite undisciplined on defense, consistently getting in foul trouble. This really hurt the Zags in the championship game, as he fouled out in just 14 minutes played.
Final Projection:
Zach Collins has unquestionable potential on both ends of the floor, but he still lacks seasoning and experience. He possesses serious size for an NBA big and his ability to stretch the floor is highly coveted in the league today. Collins didn’t shoot many deep jumpers, but his shot will unlock his full potential on offense. Defensively, Collins has the versatility to protect the rim while also being able to slide his feet along the perimeter. With Gonzaga playing in the West Coast Conference, teams will have to determine if Collins’ productivity in limited playing time will translate against NBA athletes. His strong showings in the Final Four will be valuable for Collins, and he may hear his name called in the lottery on draft night.
See all NBA Draft Profiles and Rankings
