2025 Zion Collins has proven already to be one of the top players in his class for the state of North Carolina and if you have watched his game in the past, you can see that there is no lack of talent in his game. Unfortunately, Collins has had to miss some time on the court for quite some time now but he is now ready to show and remind everyone just what he can do.
Phenom Hoops had a chance to check in on Collins and see how he was doing at the CP3 Rising Stars camp, where the elite of the elite showed up to compete against some of the best. Collins was a standout throughout, reminding everyone he is back and ready to go for this upcoming high school season. He scored in a variety of ways, displayed elite athleticism, finished strong at the rim, and was an absolute show for everyone.
We caught up with Collins after the event to see how he is preparing for this season, as well as how he enjoyed the competition at the camp and what is going on with his recruitment.
Phenom: Hope everything has been going well for you. Coming off the CP3 Rising Stars camp, how was that experience for you overall'
Collins: It was the best camp I've been to all summer. I had a lot of fun, to be honest.
Phenom: What did you want to show there, especially more about your game'
Collins: I think I showed everyone I'm much more than an athlete. I can score it on all three levels and I can shoot the ball better than most people off the dribble. I felt like I was the most dynamic guard at the camp in my class and people know that now. I wanted to show more that I can score the ball a lot because at most camps, players play selfishly. I want to start showing people I can play point guard and get my guys involved more often.
Phenom: You have had to miss some time but you are ready to go for this upcoming season. What is your excitement about being on the court at Word of God and with those guys there'
Collins: I'm excited about the team we have at Word of God and the high-level competition we will be playing. We have many D1 players on the team, so the practices will be top notch and I know I will get better playing against Freddie Dilione, Isiah Coleman, and Davin Cosby Jr. all the time. College coaches will be at our games and practices, and I believe the experience is going to take my game to another level. My coach wants me to be the next big player out of Word of God, so this year is all about playing and learning.
Phenom: What are you hoping to show more with that team'
Collins: I want to show that I'm a player that can be trusted in big-game situations. I'll do whatever I can to impact winning. Some games, I'll get more opportunities than others but I want to show I can guard the best players on the other team and be a two-way player.
Phenom: How do you think you have improved your game over time'
Collins: I think my catch and shoot from three and off the dribble shooting in the mid-range area has made me more dangerous. Shooting and tightening my ball-handling is what I'm working on the most.
Phenom: How has recruitment been going'
Collins: I have offers from Wake Forest, Hampton, North Carolina A&T, and Western Carolina. I went on unofficial visits to NC State and Virginia this summer recently. Getting a lot of interest though.
Phenom: How were those visits to NC State and Virginia' What did you get to do and see'
Collins: NC State was great. I was able to watch a practice, meet the staff, view facilities, try on jerseys, and take photos. I like they are in the ACC that is close to home, and they had a similar player like me in Dennis Smith that got drafted. I went to a Virginia basketball game back in February or so, and I was able to meet the staff and view the facilities.