Former Kentucky Forward Daimion Collins Transferring to LSU

Collins is staying in the SEC after two seasons at Kentucky.

In a surprise move, former Kentucky forward Daimion Collins is not returning to his home state of Texas. 

On3's Joe Tipton reported on Thursday afternoon that the two-year Wildcat is in fact heading south of Lexington, but is staying in the SEC to play for head coach Matt McMahon and the LSU Tigers:

NEWS: Kentucky transfer Daimion Collins has committed to LSU, he tells @On3sports.

Former 5⭐️ recruit and McDonald’s All-American.

Story: https://t.co/yHxBNmjwYL pic.twitter.com/96oHBamIVe

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 25, 2023

Collins' decision to portal came after the former 5-star recruit averaged 2.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.7 blocks-per-game as a sophomore this past season. He averaged just 7.5 minutes and saw action in 27 games, a similar tale to his freshman campaign.

The ceiling has always been high for the 6-foot-9 McDonald's All-American out of Atlanta, Texas. He was expected to take a leap for the Wildcats as a sophomore, but the unforeseen death of his father, Ben, instead halted the beginning of Collins' season.

"Daimion Collins had a year I wouldn’t wish on anyone & has been through more than any player should, including losing his grandfather in the last week. He’s a talented player & a good person w/ a bright future," UK head coach John Calipari tweeted. "Daimion & his family know that I’ll always be here for them."

Across 52 games over his two seasons as a Wildcat, Collins averaged 7.7 minutes a night, 2.4 points and 2.0 rebounds. He shot 51.1 percent from the floor and 73.8 percent from the free-throw line. His freakishly-athletic build led to plenty of memorable moments at the rim and led to plenty of interest from teams looking for a lengthy forward in the portal. 

COMMITTED!💛💜 #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/HsXalMMKek

— Daimion Collins (@CollinsDaimion) May 25, 2023

It was expected that he would head home to play for a Texas program, but he'll instead head to Baton Rouge, staying in the SEC. He's now the third Wildcat to find a new home via the portal, joining point guard Sahvir Wheeler (Washington) and shooting guard CJ Fredrick (Cincinnati). 

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