Damon Collins was one of the best to wear a uniform for the Missouri Valley College men’s basketball program.  Damon dominated on the hardwood from 2005-07, producing at a level rarely seen.  In 2005-06 Damon helped the team to an 18-win season, and finished with 507 points scored.  Damon earned first team all-conference honors and was an honorable mention All-American in the NAIA.  The following season, Damon led the team another 18-win season, and earned more individual honors.  Damon was selected to the Heart All-Conference First Team for the second-straight season, and was chosen as a second team NAIA All-American, the highest selection to the All-American team in program-history.  At the conclusion of his playing career, Damon totaled 1,035 points, and is one of only 14 players in program-history to surpass the 1,000 point total.  Damon’s stats from those seasons still sit high in the program’s all-time list.  His 197 field goals made in 2005-06 ranks tenth and his 187 field goals made in 2006-07 rank eleventh.  Additionally, Damon succeeded in the classroom, earning NAIA Scholar Athlete honors twice during his career.

 

Some of his favorite memories during his playing career are the buzzer beating shots he had in wins over Avila (Mo.) and Graceland (Iowa), including his career-high 35 points scored in a win over Avila.  Plus, the  83-79 win over No. 2 William Jewell (Mo.) on Jan. 21, 2006.  Damon has made a career as an educator and high school basketball coach for 15 years.  He is currently coaching at Princeton (Mo.) High School, and has surpassed the 230-win total as a coach in high school basketball.