Nick Collison

Nicholas John Collison (born October 26, 1980) is an American professional basketball player, currently a power forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA, and well known in basketball circles for his accomplishments at the University of Kansas.

Early life and high school career

Nick Collison was born in Orange City, Iowa, and grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa and transferred to Iowa Falls High School.

Nick Collison was a 1999 McDonald's All-American in high school while attending Iowa Falls, Iowa.

From 3rd grade to his Senior year in high school, the Iowa Falls Cadets only lost one game. That game was lost in the state quarterfinals after Iowa Falls went from 2A to 3A and had almost no competition until the state quarterfinals.

College career

Teaming with fellow Iowan Kirk Hinrich to form one of the best duos in college basketball, Collison helped KU reach two consecutive Final Fours (2002, 2003). Collison finished his college career as the leading scorer in the history of the Big 12 Conference (since passed by Andre Emmett). In 2003, his Jayhawks lost to the Carmelo Anthony led Syracuse University Orangemen in the National Championship game, 81–78. He played for the US national team in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

Collison's #4 jersey was retired by the Kansas Jayhawks at halftime of a 2004 game between Kansas and Michigan State University, in recognition of his achievements (2002–03 Player of the Year, consensus...
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