Some players you just know are different. They play with a toughness and determination that can’t be taught — a refusal to back down or lose no matter the situation. Frankie Collins, a former Las Vegas high school standout, is exactly that kind of player. When the lights get bright, he doesn’t just show up — he finds ways to excel and lead.
From his earliest days on the courts in Las Vegas, Frankie played with a chip on his shoulder. He was always looking for ways to create momentum and give his team an edge. Vegas has had its share of tough players over the years — some who’ve slipped from memory — but Frankie brings back that same fire and pride the city loves. He carries that spirit every time he steps on the court, representing Las Vegas with dignity and heart.
We’re excited to bring you detailed player profiles and in-depth information like this—insights that not only celebrate the hard work and talent of athletes like Frankie Collins but also provide valuable intel for scouts and evaluators, including those watching from the international basketball community. Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the next generation of players making waves both at home and on the global stage.
🏀 Frankie Collins Scouting Report: Defensive Menace, Veteran Playmaker, and Vanderbilt’s New Engine
📌 Player Overview
- Name: Frankie Collins
- Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 190–200 lbs
- Position: Point Guard
- Current School: Vanderbilt (Previously TCU, Arizona State, Michigan)
- Class: Graduate Transfer
- Notable Honors: 2× Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, NCAA Tournament experience (Michigan)
🧠 Basketball IQ & Experience
Frankie Collins enters the SEC as one of the most battle-tested guards in college basketball. With stops at Michigan, Arizona State, and TCU, Collins has not only logged over 75 collegiate starts and 100+ appearances, but also performed in NCAA Tournament play. He’s a mature floor general who understands spacing, tempo, and defensive schemes at a high level. His basketball IQ is an asset coaches lean on, particularly late in games.
🔥 Strengths
🛡️ Elite Defensive Presence
Defense is where Frankie Collins makes his living. At Arizona State, he broke the school’s single-season record for steals (84), averaging 2.6 per game. He earned back-to-back All-Pac-12 Defensive Team honors, constantly hounding ball handlers, jumping passing lanes, and setting the tone for his team. His instincts, lateral quickness, and willingness to guard the opposing team’s top perimeter threat make him a difference-maker.
“He’s one of the best defenders I’ve ever coached… takes defense personally.” – Bobby Hurley, Arizona State HC
🧭 Playmaking and Floor Generalship
At both ASU and TCU, Collins displayed solid assist-to-turnover ratios, with a strong 4.4 APG at TCU against just 1.9 turnovers. His assist rate consistently hovered over 30%, highlighting his ability to break down defenses, kick out to shooters, and command the half-court.
🚀 Explosive Athleticism & Finishing
While not a high-volume scorer, Collins is a dangerous downhill player in transition and off ball screens. He converted over 57% of his rim attempts last season and rebounds extremely well for his size (4.4 RPG). His first step is electric, and he can finish with contact.
🧱 Toughness & Leadership
Playing through injuries and rotating through multiple systems hasn’t phased Collins. He’s a vocal competitor, mature, and accountable—an ideal veteran presence in a young backcourt. At TCU, he returned from a midseason injury and delivered one of his best floor games of the year.
⚠️ Areas of Concern
❌ Perimeter Shooting Consistency
Collins’ three-point shooting remains the biggest knock on his NBA projection. He shot just ~30.4% from three over his college career, including a 26.1% clip last season at TCU. His free throw percentage (58.2% career) also raises red flags about long-term shooting touch.
❌ Limited Half-Court Scoring Impact
While he thrives in transition, Collins can struggle in half-court sets when the pace slows. Without a consistent outside shot or floater game, defenses sag off him, daring him to shoot.
📈 Statistical Snapshot (Career Averages)
CategoryStatPoints Per Game11.5Assists Per Game3.8Rebounds Per Game4.4Steals Per Game2.2FG%41.7%3PT%30.4%FT%58.2%Turnovers Per Game~2.0
🎯 Projected Role at Vanderbilt
Collins will immediately step in as Vanderbilt’s starting point guard, replacing A.J. Hoggard. Under Mark Byington’s system, which emphasizes tempo and defense, Collins is a tailor-made fit. Expect him to set the tone defensively, push the tempo, and act as a connector between Vanderbilt’s younger wings and interior bigs.
“He impacts the game in every area… I love his poise and competitiveness.” – Mark Byington, Vanderbilt HC
🧬 Pro-Level Outlook
Collins is a borderline professional-level guard with specific traits that could intrigue G-League and European scouts:
✅ Translatable Skills:
- Elite point-of-attack defense
- Pick-and-roll playmaking
- Energy and leadership
- Transition offense
❌ Limiters at the Next Level:
- Below-average shooting mechanics
- Undersized without elite length
- No proven half-court scoring package
📊 Verdict:
Potential Two-Way/G-League or European prospect
If Collins can improve his shooting efficiency and maintain his defensive edge, there’s a pathway for him at the professional level—especially as a rotational guard in defense-first or tempo-based systems. Think Jose Alvarado-type ceiling with continued growth. He may not be an NBA Draft pick, but he’ll certainly land on radars.
📝 Final Evaluation
Frankie Collins is a gritty, experienced point guard with elite defensive chops, transition burst, and vocal leadership. He’s the kind of player that doesn’t always fill the highlight reels but wins games through toughness, discipline, and impact in all phases. As he enters his final college season at Vanderbilt, all eyes will be on whether his offensive game can match his defensive excellence. If it does—watch out.
Unit 1 Hoop Source 