The basketball transfer portal continues to reshape collegiate rosters across the nation, with South Florida landing a significant addition in Daimion Collins. The former 5-star recruit and LSU forward has committed to join head coach Bryan Hodgson’s program, according to On3.
Collins will bring elite athleticism and defensive prowess to the Bulls’ frontcourt after showing flashes of his potential at LSU.
From 5-Star Recruit to USF: Daimion Collins’ Winding Basketball Journey
Collins, whose journey has taken him from Kentucky to LSU and now to USF, represents a major recruiting win for Hodgson’s program. The 6’9″ junior averaged 8.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this season with the Tigers, starting 22 of 30 games and demonstrating the skills that once made him a blue-chip recruit coming out of high school.
Collins arrived on the college basketball scene with tremendous expectations as the No. 16 overall prospect in the 2021 class and Texas’s top-ranked player.
His high school dominance was staggering, with an average of 35.2 points, 14.4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6.2 blocks during his senior campaign, earning McDonald’s All-American honors and Gatorade Player of the Year recognition.
NEWS: LSU transfer forward Daimion Collins, a former 5⭐️ recruit, has committed to South Florida and head coach Bryan Hodgson, he told @On3sports.
The 6-9 junior averaged 8.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. Began his career at Kentucky. https://t.co/TAh84LBglG pic.twitter.com/DxaoMCHwQl
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 17, 2025
Collins’s path to USF has been anything but straightforward. Under John Calipari, he struggled to find consistent playing time at Kentucky, never averaging more than eight minutes per game across 52 appearances.
His transfer to LSU provided the opportunity for increased minutes, though injuries limited his first season with the Tigers to just six games.
What Collins Brings to the Bulls’ Frontcourt
Collins’ defensive impact jumps off the stat sheet with his 1.6 blocks per game, showcasing elite rim protection abilities. His length and athleticism allow him to alter shots beyond what statistics capture, making him an immediate defensive anchor for a South Florida program looking to strengthen its presence in the paint.
Offensively, Collins demonstrated efficiency during his breakout season at LSU by shooting an impressive 58.1% from the field. His scoring showed marked improvement under Matt McMahon, suggesting untapped potential that could flourish further at USF.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
While primarily operating inside, his developing skill set hints at versatility that Hodgson can leverage in various offensive schemes.
For South Florida, Collins represents the type of transfer portal victory that can accelerate program building. His combination of high major experience, a proven defensive potential and athletic upside offers immediate foundation piece for Hodgson’s plan.
Although injuries have slowed Collins down during his college career, his upside is still intriguing if he stays healthy and continues to develop in Tampa.
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