For the last two seasons the name Chris Collins may not have been as familiar as Tyler Davis or DJ Hogg, but as a redshirt sophomore, now is his time. Going into his third season at Texas A&M, the Friendswood native is finally seeing some long-awaited action on the hardwood.
“Well the redshirting was Coach [Billy] Kennedy’s idea,” Collins said. “He showed faith in me and saw potential in me and wanted to use that year to develop because with the talented team we had I don’t think I would’ve had as much opportunity to play. That just gave me confidence to start working toward where I am now.”
Collins earned a spot on the Aggies’ roster after being named Player of the Year by both District 24-4A and the Galveston County Daily News in high school. He appeared in just three games during his freshman season in Aggieland, playing a mere five minutes. Collins sank a long-range jumper in the season opener making up his only collegiate stats until late last fall. After an entire year of redshirting, Collins said he’s learned a lot to put him where he is today.
“Just being a part of this program for a couple years now and being around a real good team last year, I saw how they all really understood the offense to a T,” Collins said. “I think I bring that to this team — just helping guys get in the right position and just making sure we execute what the coaches ask us.”
Collins has made a nearly seamless transition into the role of a regular off the bench.  He has appeared in 16 of the Aggies’ 19 games this season, including five starts. Collins is a somewhat underrated baller that players and fans alike may have forgotten still holds a heavy part on this squad. Fortunately, Kennedy has had his sights set on the future for quite some time.
“Chris has been good for us in practice,” Kennedy said. “It’s a kid that hasn’t started in a game for two and a half years, so it’s a new experience for him. He plays his role just as good as he can play it.”
Collins has racked up 37 points, 21 rebounds and 27 assists this season. From redshirt hopeful to facing off against some of the most talented basketball players in the nation, Collins commented on what it was like leaping into such a big role.
“It wasn’t the level of competition, because I mean I practice against these guys every day so it’s no different, but I think it’s just different styles of play,” Collins said. “I’m used to these guys on my team … but every guard plays differently and they all have different types of games and I guess it was just adjusting to all of those different types.”
The ending of last season meant the loss of many key players. To supplement, Kennedy brought in plenty of freshmen and transfers to keep competition high in Reed Arena. With a young team and new offensive scheme, sophomore Tyler Davis said Collins’ great work ethic has allowed him to thrive in his expanded role.
“Working hard always shows, so that’s why you see Chris out here playing,” Davis said. “He didn’t just get out here because he’s the coaches’ favorite or nothing like that. It’s got nothing to do with that. It’s just his work ethic and you know it’ll show every time.”
Collins knows all about the importance of working hard and balancing basketball with his studies in industrial distribution.
“You have to be efficient with your time, you have to study on the road, you have to do everything you can to be efficient with the time you have,” Collins said. “It’s a very unique degree because it’s very similar to supply chain and the business degree but you get the technical classes too so you get a better understanding of the stuff you’ll be dealing with.”
Catch Collins back on the hardwood Saturday afternoon as the Aggies hit the road for Morgantown, West Virginia. Tipoff against the Mountaineers is set for 11:00 a.m. and will be televised nationally on ESPN.