Collin Sexton: From College Standout to NBA Prospect

Collin Darnell Sexton, born on January 4, 1999, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. Before transitioning to the professional level, Sexton showcased his talents at the University of Alabama, playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. His journey to the NBA was marked by impressive college performances and high expectations.

High School Career and Recruitment

Prior to his college career, Sexton was a highly touted prospect. In January 2017, Sexton was selected as a McDonald's All-American. He was a consensus five-star recruit and ranked among the top prospects in the nation. Sexton's skills and potential garnered attention from several top college programs. Ultimately, he committed to the University of Alabama, becoming a key part of their No. 7-ranked recruiting class.

College Statistics and Impact

Sexton's time at Alabama was highlighted by several remarkable performances. During his freshman year, he averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He demonstrated his scoring ability early in the season, notably scoring 40 points in a game against the University of Minnesota while playing shorthanded for a significant portion of the second half.

Sexton's impact extended beyond regular-season games. In the SEC Tournament, he led Alabama to key victories, scoring 27 points against Texas A&M, including a game-winning buzzer-beater, and 31 points in a quarterfinal win over Auburn. Although Alabama's tournament run ended in the semifinals against Kentucky, Sexton's contributions solidified his status as a top prospect.

One of the defining moments of Sexton's college career came during the SEC Tournament. With just seconds remaining in a game against Texas A&M, Sexton took an inbounds pass and raced up the court, eventually launching a high-arching shot that found the net as the buzzer sounded, securing a dramatic victory for Alabama.

Read also: About Collin College

Eligibility Concerns and Debut

Before his official debut, Sexton faced eligibility concerns stemming from an internal investigation related to college basketball corruption. As a result, he missed Alabama's exhibition game. However, he was later cleared to play and made his debut on November 14, contributing to a win against Lipscomb University.

NBA Draft and Early Career with the Cavaliers

Sexton's impressive college performance led to him being selected with the eighth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA draft. He was the highest-selected player from Alabama since Antonio McDyess in 1995.

Rookie Season

Sexton made his NBA debut on October 17, 2018, recording nine points and three rebounds in a game against the Toronto Raptors. Throughout his rookie season, he showcased his scoring ability, including a season-high 29 points against the Houston Rockets. He also surpassed Kyrie Irving for the most three-pointers made by a Cavaliers rookie.

During his rookie campaign, Sexton demonstrated consistency and scoring prowess. He became the first rookie since Tim Duncan in 1998 to score 23 or more points in seven consecutive games. He also set a franchise record as the only rookie to achieve this feat. Additionally, Sexton was the only rookie in NBA history to play at least 2,000 minutes while averaging over 16 points per game with over 40% 3-point accuracy and fewer than 3 turnovers.

Subsequent Seasons with the Cavaliers

In the following seasons, Sexton continued to develop his game and contribute to the Cavaliers. However, he and the team did not reach a contract extension agreement before the 2021-22 season. In a game against the Charlotte Hornets, he scored a season-high 33 points. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, sidelining him for an extended period.

Trade to the Utah Jazz

In September 2022, Sexton was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a package deal for Donovan Mitchell. After spending his first 4 seasons with the Cavaliers, he was traded to the Utah Jazz via sign-and-trade in the 2022 offseason.

Move to the Chicago Bulls

On June 29, 2025, Sexton's journey took another turn when he was acquired by the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls also received Ousmane Dieng and three second-round picks in the deal. This move marked a new chapter in Sexton's career, offering him an opportunity to contribute to a different team and showcase his skills in a new environment.

Player Profile and Attributes

Sexton is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and competitive drive. He possesses exceptional speed and quickness, allowing him to attack the basket effectively. His ability to create his own shot and score in various ways makes him a valuable offensive weapon.

Strengths

Scoring Prowess: Sexton has demonstrated the ability to score points consistently, both in college and the NBA.
Athleticism: His speed, agility, and explosiveness allow him to excel in transition and create opportunities in the half-court.
Competitive Drive: Sexton is known for his relentless effort and determination on the court.
Intelligence: He demonstrated his intelligence with a 4.0 GPA in his first semester of college, earning a spot on Alabama’s President’s List.

Areas for Improvement

Shooting Consistency: While Sexton has shown improvement in his shooting, maintaining consistency from beyond the arc is an area for further development.
Playmaking: Enhancing his playmaking abilities and decision-making as a point guard could elevate his overall impact on the game.

Potential and Comparisons

Sexton's potential has drawn comparisons to several NBA players. Some scouts have likened his athleticism and speed to that of Eric Bledsoe. Others have noted similarities to players like Rajon Rondo, Kevin Johnson, and Isiah Thomas in terms of basketball IQ, speed, and grit.

Draft Combine Measurements

At the 2018 NBA draft combine, Sexton measured 6'1½" with shoes on and a 6'7¼" wingspan. He weighed 183 pounds with 5.6 percent body fat. His hand measurements were 8½" wide and 8¼" long.

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