Tuesday, February 9, 2010
I’ve spent the past four years watching you grow. You’ve blossomed from a blazing quick change of pace off the bench to one of the best point guards, and players, in the nation. You’re a true leader on and off the court, a guy that demands the most from his teammates and makes them better.
I was watching as you stole the inbounds pass and buried that crucial three from the corner against Memphis. And when you blasted Oklahoma for five deep triples last season. Or just last week, when you bulled your way to the bucket and laid it off the window to topple the Wildcats in the “Octagon of Doom.”
Your maturation has been incredible to watch. From quiet freshman to outspoken senior, from top reserve to one of the greatest Jayhawks of all time — you’ve given Kansas fans almost more than they could have asked for. But I have one more request to make before you play your last game as a Jayhawk.
(Bill Self is not going to be happy about this one).
Please, just one time, throw one down at Allen Fieldhouse.
Now I know you’ve probably dunked in practice, or in a Late Night outing that I missed, but just know that I’m talking about an in-game slam.*
*Perhaps some of you doubt the 5’11” Collins’ leaping ability in the first place. If that’s the case, then let me direct you to your new favorite YouTube clip.
And in case you’re not by a computer, here’s what you’re missing out on.
Collins, not yet clad in crimson and blue (well, blue anyway — he’s on the red team in the McDonald’s All-American game) receives the ball on a breakaway as time is about to expire. He then dribbles once before firing an underhand pass off the glass, not to the trailing Kevin Durant, but to himself. Collins then soars into the air and hammers it down with the left hand (!) like a cornrowed Nate Robinson.
Sure, you carry a bit more muscle these days and your knees have four more years of mileage on them, but we all know better than to question your athleticism. So just close your eyes and move that scene to the Fieldhouse. Imagine slamming one home, inciting a maniacal chorus of cheers in the Phog and demoralizing the opposition in the process.
And aside from another NCAA tournament run (and, fingers crossed, another national title), what better parting gift can you give the fans than that?
So come on, Sherron — you’ve got four games left.
P.S. Dunking in the home finale, a March 3 contest against Kansas State, would be especially sweet.
— Edited by Cory Bunting
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Comments
Morning Brew: Open Letter to Sherron Collins
Agreed!
Morning Brew: Open Letter to Sherron Collins
not to split hairs here, but he appears to be on the white team in the McD's AA game dunk footage.
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