Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s a detailed profile of Darren Collison:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Darren Michael Collison
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born August 23, 1987
  • Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters)
  • Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)
  • Shoe Size: US size 12
  • Number: Most notably wore 2 and 7
  • Position: Point Guard
  • High School: Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
  • College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (2005–2009)
    • A key player during UCLA’s Final Four appearances, Collison was an All-Pac-10 selection and known for his speed and defense.
  • NBA Draft: Selected 21st overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets.
  • Teams Played For:
    1. New Orleans Hornets (2009–2010)
    2. Indiana Pacers (2010–2012, 2017–2019)
    3. Dallas Mavericks (2012–2013)
    4. Los Angeles Clippers (2013–2014)
    5. Sacramento Kings (2014–2017)
    6. Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2022, brief 10-day contract stint)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA.
  • Kids: Collison has one child.
  • Siblings: He has a younger sister, Danielle.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Darren Collison’s player archetype was that of a quick, efficient lead guard, a traditional point guard who controlled tempo, got into the lane, and kept offense organized without needing high-volume isolation play. Defensively, he worked best as a pesky point-of-attack guard, using his speed and anticipation to pressure ball-handlers, even if his size limited him against bigger matchups. Offensively, Collison functioned as a primary initiator and pick-and-roll operator, creating advantages with penetration, timely passing, and reliable perimeter shooting rather than flashy overdribbling. Physically, he brought a compact 6-foot frame, excellent straight-line speed, and a low, balanced handle that helped him play fast while staying under control. His play style was built on pace, efficiency, dribble penetration, and clean decision-making, making him the kind of floor general who could score when needed but was most valuable when steering the offense and keeping pressure on the defense.

Fun Facts

  • Collison was known for his elite speed, playmaking ability, and efficient shooting, especially as a three-point shooter.
  • Led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio multiple times during his career.
  • Career averages: 12.5 points, 5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Sources:

UCLA Bruins — Darren Collison
NBA Draft — Darren Collison
Basketball-Reference — Darren Collison