Christian Collins talks about playing like an All-American

Whether before, during or after basketball games, St. John Bosco High’s 6-foot-9 Christian Collins is constantly smiling. It’s an endearing public image that shows how much fun he’s having during his senior season.

The 18-year-old has never looked better. He has become a dominant and consistent player, capable of contributing at any position and anywhere on the court. He’s headed for All-American honors and will have his choice of any college in the country.

He led St. John Bosco to an 18-5 record despite one of the toughest schedules in the Southland. He’s averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds and is a top candidate for the McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston in March. Not bad for someone who played on the junior varsity team as a freshman at St. Bernard.

Collins recently discussed his progress as a player and the challenges of soon having to make a college decision.

You have been much more consistent this season.

I’ve been more consistent because I’m not limited. My confidence is at an all-time high. I am able to show now what I can do. It puts pressure on me to improve, because if I don’t play well, it’s going to be difficult. We still have a great team, but we all have to play well to win.

Last season, you had good and bad matches. Were you ever uncomfortable?

I wasn’t placed in the right positions, even in summer. Now I’m able to really do what I’ve always been able to do.

How do you use your size 6-9 to your advantage? That’s what you did to beat Santa Margarita in one last shot.

I just know that anyone who is my size or taller or 6-7 is a mismatch because I’m usually faster than most guys my size. I definitely use that as an advantage because I know they are slower than me. [Against Santa Margarita]They weren’t calling fouls, so I knew if I hit him really hard, they weren’t going to call it.

Growing up, what kind of player were you? Are you using different skills now?

I was a point guard when I was younger. I was the tallest leader in the entire tournament. I was 5-8 years old. At this time, it’s really big. I was coming off screens and dribbling. I always had it. I just never got to show it and no one ever knew because I was so big. They put me on the job.

St. John Bosco’s Christian Collins celebrates an overtime victory against Santa Margarita. Collins got the tying basket in regulation and the deciding basket in overtime.

(Nick Koza)

Many children who are tall when they are young do not take the opportunity to learn other skills. Did you do this?

Yes. People feel like if they’re tall they have to push themselves to be in that position, but you don’t have to. At Saint-Bernard, I felt very comfortable in this position. I didn’t let myself get discouraged. I was still practicing my guarding skills. I never worked strictly on post moves. But the reason I have a postgame now is because St. Bernard taught me.

You are still trying to choose a university. Is everything still open?

There’s no rush for me. I’m focused on the season at the moment. I will definitely have a decision. I don’t know when. It’s a blessing to be able to be in this position because a lot of kids don’t have this opportunity. There are a lot of kids across the country who are really good but haven’t had a chance to be seen by coaches or because of grades. It’s also stressful sometimes because we have so many options it’s hard to make a decision. If I only had one school, I would pretty much have to go to that school. I have so many different schools, so it’s difficult.

What do you look for when trying to choose a school?

I want to go there and it’s done. It is about preparing for [NBA]. People don’t understand that. They rush the process. If you’re not ready, it’s not a good idea to go. It’s also about growth and feeling like family. I want to be comfortable where I am.

This team has had some big wins and losses. What will it take to win it all?

We will definitely have to be together. We cannot be separated, especially if we want to win. This is going to be hard and tough. I think California has a lot of competition. It’s going to be hard. This is going to take a lot.