Christian Collins talks about playing like an All-American

Whether it’s before, during or after basketball games, 6-foot-6 Christian Collins of St. John Bosco High keeps smiling. It’s a cute public image that hints at how much fun he’s having in his senior season.

The 18-year-old has never looked better. He has become a dominant, consistent player, capable of contributing at any position from anywhere on the field. He is aiming for All-American honors and will have the choice of any college in the country.

Did St. John Bosco to an 18-5 record despite one of the toughest schedules in the Southland. He is averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds and is a prime candidate for the McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston in March. Not bad for someone who played on the junior varsity team as a freshman at St. Bernard.

Collins recently discussed his progress as a player and the challenges of making a college decision soon.

You have been much more consistent this season.

I have been more consistent because I am not restricted. My self-esteem is at an all-time high. Now I can show what I can do. He puts pressure on me to improve because if I don’t play well it will be difficult. We still have a great team, but we all have to play well to win.

You had good and bad games last season. Was it uncomfortable at times?

I wasn’t put in the right positions even in the summer. Now I’m really able to do what I’ve always been able to do.

How do you use your 6-9 height to your advantage? That’s what you did to beat Santa Margarita on the last shot.

I know anyone my height or taller or 6-7 is a mismatch because I’m usually faster than most guys my height. I definitely use it to my advantage because I know they are slower than me. [Against Santa Margarita]they didn’t call fouls so I knew if I hit him hard he wouldn’t call it off.

Growing up, what kind of player were you? Are you using other skills now?

I was a defender when I was younger. I was the highest point guard of the entire tournament. I was like 5-8. At that time it is really high. I was coming off screens and dribbling. I’ve always had it. I could never show it and no one ever knew because I was so tall. They put me on the spot.

Many children who are tall when they are young do not use the advantage to learn other skills. did you do it

Yes. People feel that when they are tall, they have to force themselves to be tall, but you don’t have to. In St. Bernard, I felt very much that I was on post. I didn’t let that put me off. I was still training my guard skills. I’ve never strictly worked on mail moves. But the reason I have the game now is because St. Bernard taught me.

You’re still trying to decide on a college. Is everything still open?

There is no rush for me. Now I’m focusing on the season. I will definitely decide. I don’t know when. It’s a blessing to be in this position because a lot of kids don’t have that opportunity. There are a lot of kids all over the country who are really good but haven’t had a chance to be seen by coaches or it’s because of grades. It’s also stressful at times because we have so many options, it’s hard to decide. If I only had one school, I’m pretty much forced to go to that school. I have so many different schools so it’s hard.

What do you look for when choosing a school?

I want to go one and done. It’s about being ready for it [NBA]. People don’t understand that. They speed up the process. If you are not ready, it is not good to go. It is also about development and a sense of family. I want to feel comfortable where I am.

This team has had big wins and losses. What will it take to win it all?

It will definitely take time for us to be together. We can’t be apart, especially if we want to win this. It will be rough and tough. I feel like California has a lot of competition. It’s going to be hard. It will take a lot.