Senior forward Jasmine Collins, who spent most of the first three years of her career as an end-of-the-bench player, has carved out a niche for herself in her final season and found more playing time.
With new single-game career-highs of 17 points and nine rebounds and season averages far surpassing anything she ever recorded in her college career, the Detroit native has moved into the forefront for Marquette basketball as it moves into NCAA Tournament play.
Playing 18 of 33 games last year helped Collins turn her game around heading into this season.
“It’s given her a lot of confidence,” said senior forward Paige Fiedorowicz.
Earning her only three starts of her college career this season, Collins has gotten more playing time with 21.4 minutes per game compared to the last three years when she averaged only 6.2 minutes.
Collins’ all-around improvement from last year to this year has been noticeable.
“During the season, I really worked on inside post moves to help better my game,” Collins said.
“One of her strengths has been offensive rebounding,” said senior guard Angel Robinson. “She has stepped up to become a threat.”
The improvement is due to her becoming a more physical player overall, Robinson said.
With the fifth-highest rebound total on the team this year with 141, she averaged a solid 5.2 rebounds per game during the regular season with 50 offensive boards and 91 defensive.
These numbers are remarkable considering she averaged only 1.2 rebounds per game for her career before this season.
Another facet of her game she improved in her final year was her free throw shooting. In her first three seasons, she was 9-of-20, just 45 percent. This year, she hit 69-of-92, for 75 percent from the line.
She finished the year fourth highest in scoring with 9.2 points per game, trailing fellow seniors Fiedorowicz, Robinson and guard Tatiyiana McMorris.
“I think every aspect of her game has definitely improved,” Fiedorowicz said. “Just her finally getting the opportunity to get out on the court, it’s really given her the chance to show how much talent she has.”
Collins has delivered multiple strong performances this season. She came off the bench to help the Golden Eagles surpass Pittsburgh with a driving layup in the last 15 seconds to ice their position in the third round of the Big East tournament. Against the Scarlet Knights, Collins matched her career high of 17 points.
With her recent success, teammates have complimented her patience when it comes to playing time.
“She’s showing a lot of the younger kids that it just takes hard work and time to get where you want to go,” Fiedorowicz said.
Closing out her senior year she looks back on the hard work with excitement and relishes her experience playing Marquette basketball.
“I just want to leave a legacy and tradition for Marquette basketball with the help of my fellow seniors,” Collins said.
