It’s the question on everyone’s mind: could Collin Gillespie, star of the men’s basketball team at Villanova University, hack it in the NBA?
The answer, of course, is an emphatic yes. There is no doubt that Collin could hold his own against the best players in the world. He has the size, strength, and shooting ability to compete with anyone.
But what about the mental aspect of the game? Can Collin handle the pressure of playing in front of packed arenas night after night?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Collin Gillespie is a force to be reckoned with, on and off the court.
Who is Collin Gillespie?
Collin Gillespie is a 6’2” point guard from the Villanova Wildcats. He was a four-year starter for the Wildcats, and was a key part of their 2018 and 2019 National Championship teams. Gillespie is known for his defensive abilities, as well as his three-point shooting. He is Villanova’s all-time leader in steals, and is second in school history in three-pointers made.
Gillespie went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, but he did participate in the Orlando Summer League with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game in four games with the Thunder.
Why is he considering the NBA?
Collin Gillespie is a 6’3″ point guard from Villanova University. He is currently in his senior year and is averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. He has been a big part of Villanova’s success over the past four years, including a National Championship in 2018.
Gillespie has said that he is considering declaring for the NBA Draft, but it is unclear if he will actually go through with it. There are conflicting reports on whether or not he has hired an agent, which would make him ineligible to return to Villanova for his senior season.
Gillespie would likely be a late second-round pick or go undrafted if he were to declare for the NBA Draft. His size and scoring ability are both pluses, but he lacks elite quickness and athleticism, which are key traits for NBA point guards. He also hasn’t shown that he can be a true lead guard at the college level, as he has played off the ball more often than not during his time at Villanova.
If Gillespie does declare for the NBA Draft, it will be interesting to see how far he falls and whether or not he ultimately decides to play in the NBA or go back to school for his senior season.
How did he fare in college?
During his time at Villanova, Gilliespie was a key player on some of the best teams in the country. He was a two-time NCAA champion and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2018 Final Four. He was also a first-team All-American in 2018 and a second-team All-American in 2019.
How would he fare against NBA competition?
Collin Gillespie is a 6’2” guard from Villanova. He is a two-time All-American and was the National Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. He is considered one of the best college basketball players in the country.
Gillespie would likely be a mid- to late-first round pick in the NBA Draft if he were to declare for it. He has the size and strength to compete at the next level, but it is unclear if his skills will translate. Gillespie is a great shooter and a good defender, but he may not have the athleticism or quickness to keep up with NBA players.
What are NBA scouts saying?
The general consensus from NBA scouts is that Collin Gillespie would not fare well against NBA competition. They believe that he is too small and does not have the necessary skill set to compete at the highest level.
What are his chances of making it in the NBA?
There is no one path to the NBA. Some players are drafted out of high school, some after a year or two of college, and others after four or five years of college. For each player, their individual situation will dictate what makes the most sense for them.
For Collin Gillespie, he is currently in his junior year at Villanova. He has helped lead the Wildcats to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen berth last season. He has also been named to the All-Big East First Team in each of his first two seasons.
Looking at Gillespie’s skill set, he is a very good shooter and an above average distributor. While he doesn’t have elite size or athleticism, he makes up for it with his high basketball IQ and ability to make plays for others.
Gillespie will likely have a decision to make after this season. If he believes he is ready for the NBA, he could declare for the draft and try to make a roster. However, if he does not feel like he is quite ready, he could return to Villanova for his senior season and continue to hone his skills.
Only time will tell what Collin Gillespie decides to do, but there is no doubt that he has the talent to play in the NBA.
Is Collin Gillespie going to the NBA
Basketball is a team sport, and Collin Gillespie is the type of player who makes those around him better. He’s an excellent ball-handler and distributor, and he has a high basketball IQ. Those are the type of players that thrive in the NBA.
Gillespie is also a very good shooter, both from three-point range and from mid-range. He’s not the most athletic player, but he’s quick enough to get by most defenders at the college level.
The biggest question mark with Gillespie is his size. He’s listed at 6’2″, but that may be generous. He’ll be at a severe disadvantage against most NBA players, who are bigger, stronger and more athletic than he is.