Collin Sexton, a name that has garnered attention since his early days in college basketball, is quickly making his mark in the NBA. Known for his scoring ability, explosive athleticism, and fiery competitive nature, Sexton has proven to be a valuable player on every team he has been a part of. In this article, we will delve into his career statistics, key performances, playing style, and the journey that has made him one of the most intriguing young guards in the league.
Who is Collin Sexton?
Collin Sexton, often referred to as the “Young Bull” for his relentless playing style, is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. Originally drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Draft with the 8th overall pick, Sexton’s explosive scoring and tenacious defense immediately caught the attention of basketball fans.
Sexton’s journey to the NBA began in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he attended high school before transferring to Pebblebrook High School in Georgia, where he continued to improve and earn recognition as a top recruit. After a standout year at the University of Alabama, Sexton declared for the NBA Draft and was picked by the Cavaliers.
Early Life and College Career
Before entering the NBA, Sexton played for the Alabama Crimson Tide during his college basketball career. He had an impressive freshman season, averaging 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the top young players in the NCAA. His aggressive playing style, combined with his ability to score from anywhere on the court, was key in driving his decision to enter the 2018 NBA Draft.
During his time at Alabama, Sexton showcased his potential as a high-scoring, fearless guard with the ability to take over games. His performance was solid enough to earn him All-SEC honors and propel him to a high draft pick.
Collin Sexton in the NBA: Career Overview
After being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sexton’s professional career began in earnest. He entered the NBA with significant expectations and has since demonstrated that he is capable of being a reliable scorer and contributor. Let’s break down his career journey, season-by-season statistics, and his development as an NBA player.
2018-2019 Season (Rookie Year): A Strong Start
In his rookie season, Sexton played in 82 games, starting in 71, which showed the Cavaliers’ faith in him as a future cornerstone for the team. Despite being part of a rebuilding Cavaliers squad, Sexton showed promise as a lead guard and the primary offensive weapon.
Here are his rookie-year stats:
Points: 16.7
Assists: 2.9
Rebounds: 3.0
Steals: 0.5
Field Goal Percentage: 43.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 37.3%
Sexton’s rookie season was highlighted by his ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether driving to the basket or knocking down jump shots, Sexton displayed the offensive prowess that would define his career. While his assist numbers weren’t overly impressive, he showed flashes of playmaking ability and was a key figure in the Cavaliers’ offense.
2019-2020 Season: Growth as a Scorer
The following season marked further growth for Sexton. In his second year, Sexton elevated his scoring game to new heights, finishing the season with an average of 20.8 points per game. His efficiency also saw improvement, especially from beyond the arc. Sexton demonstrated a greater ability to create his own shot, as well as his knack for finishing in traffic. The Cavaliers were rebuilding around young players, and Sexton was starting to emerge as one of the team’s key figures.
Sexton’s 2019-2020 stats:
Points: 20.8
Assists: 3.0
Rebounds: 3.1
Steals: 0.8
Field Goal Percentage: 47.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 37.0%
The 2019-2020 season was a strong one for Sexton, as he solidified himself as a reliable scorer and leader for the Cavaliers. He was especially known for his explosive scoring runs, where he could go on stretches of scoring that helped the team stay competitive.
2020-2021 Season: Rising Star
By the time the 2020-2021 season rolled around, Sexton had become one of the brightest young stars in the league. His scoring ability was unquestionable, and he was beginning to round out his overall game. This season was marked by his most productive stretch of games to date.
Sexton’s stats for 2020-2021:
Points: 24.3
Assists: 4.4
Rebounds: 4.0
Steals: 1.0
Field Goal Percentage: 47.5%
Three-Point Percentage: 37.1%
Sexton’s playmaking took a significant leap forward in 2020-2021. He improved his assist numbers and was becoming more efficient in his decision-making. Additionally, his defense took a step forward, as he was regularly tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter players. Sexton’s performances during the 2020-2021 season showcased his ability to fill up the stat sheet and carry the offensive load for the Cavaliers, even if the team struggled in the win column.
2021-2022 Season: Injury and Transition
Sexton’s 2021-2022 season was derailed by an unfortunate knee injury, which caused him to miss the majority of the season. He was limited to just 11 games, averaging 16.0 points per game in those appearances. His injury required surgery and kept him from taking the next step in his development. Despite the setback, Sexton showed his scoring ability in the limited action he played. His field goal and three-point shooting were still strong, though he couldn’t make the same impact as before.
2022-2023 Season: A New Beginning with the Utah Jazz
In the summer of 2022, Sexton was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a multi-team trade involving Donovan Mitchell. This move marked a new chapter in Sexton’s career, as he joined a team that was entering a rebuilding phase but still had a solid foundation of young talent. Sexton was given a larger role on the Jazz and had the opportunity to rebuild his status as one of the league’s promising young players.
Stats for the 2022-2023 season with the Utah Jazz:
Points: 18.4
Assists: 3.3
Rebounds: 2.9
Steals: 0.9
Field Goal Percentage: 44.5%
Three-Point Percentage: 36.0%
Sexton’s time with the Jazz allowed him to showcase his scoring ability and leadership. While not yet an All-Star, he proved to be a valuable scoring option in the Jazz’s offense. His shooting efficiency remained solid, and he showed great potential for the team’s future.
Collin Sexton’s Playing Style
Collin Sexton’s playing style has been a subject of much discussion since his arrival in the NBA. Known for his quickness, scoring ability, and high-energy play, Sexton is an offensive dynamo capable of putting up big numbers. Let’s break down his playing style and what makes him unique on the court.
Scoring Ability
Sexton is primarily known for his ability to score the basketball. He is a dynamic scorer who can fill it up in multiple ways. Whether it’s attacking the rim, creating his own shot, or hitting three-pointers, Sexton has the ability to get buckets in a variety of situations. His scoring is propelled by his excellent ball-handling skills and his ability to drive to the basket. While not known as an elite finisher at the rim, Sexton has a quick first step and a fearless approach when attacking defenders. He also has a reliable jump shot, especially from three-point range, where he can knock down shots off the dribble or catch-and-shoot.
Speed and Quickness
One of Sexton’s most defining traits is his speed. He is incredibly fast with the ball in his hands, using his quickness to blow by defenders and create open looks for himself and his teammates. His ability to change directions quickly makes him a nightmare for defenders, and he often uses his speed in fast-break situations.
Defense and Competitiveness
While Sexton is known for his offensive abilities, his defense has steadily improved throughout his career. Although he is not regarded as an elite defender, Sexton’s competitiveness and energy make him an effective one-on-one defender. He is known for being aggressive on the ball, pressuring opposing guards, and using his quickness to stay in front of ball handlers. Sexton is often praised for his work ethic and willingness to take on tough defensive assignments, especially when guarding opposing perimeter players. His tenacious nature on both ends of the floor is one of the reasons why he has earned the nickname “Young Bull.”
Leadership and Growth
Sexton’s leadership has been another significant aspect of his game. Even at a young age, he is often seen as a vocal leader on the floor, especially with the Cavaliers during their rebuilding years. His desire to win, combined with his constant hustle, has helped him build rapport with teammates and coaches alike. As he continues to grow as a player, Sexton’s leadership ability will likely become more pronounced, especially as he takes on a larger role with the Utah Jazz. His mentality of “never backing down” has made him a fan favorite and a key part of his team’s identity.
FAQs
How does Colin Sexton’s defense compare to other NBA players?
Colin Sexton is often seen as an energetic defender, but he has room for improvement. He possesses the quickness to stay in front of his man, but his defensive consistency has been questioned at times. That said, his effort on that end of the court is evident, and he is working on refining his defense under the guidance of the Utah Jazz coaching staff.
Has Colin Sexton ever been involved in trade rumors?
Yes, Colin Sexton has been involved in trade rumors, especially during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2022, he was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a deal that helped reshape the Cavs’ roster. As of 2024, Sexton’s name continues to come up in trade talks, given the NBA’s dynamic nature and the Jazz’s potential future roster moves.
How does Colin Sexton compare to other NBA guards?
Sexton is often compared to other up-and-coming guards in the NBA due to his scoring prowess. He is sometimes compared to guards like Jrue Holiday and Jamal Murray in terms of offensive impact. While not yet at their level in all aspects, his ability to score efficiently, especially in isolation, is comparable to some of the league’s best.
What is Colin Sexton’s 3-point shooting ability?
Colin Sexton has steadily improved his three-point shooting, especially in recent seasons. His career 3-point percentage sits around 36.2%, and he has shown the ability to be a reliable threat from deep when given space. His shooting range and consistency from beyond the arc continue to grow, adding another dimension to his game.
What is Colin Sexton’s nickname and why?
Colin Sexton is commonly known as “Young Bull,” a nickname given to him due to his aggressive and fearless playing style, particularly his ability to attack the basket with power and determination. This moniker represents his energetic and unrelenting approach to the game.
In Summary
Collin Sexton’s journey in the NBA has been one filled with ups and downs, but through it all, he has proven himself as one of the league’s most exciting young guards. From his explosive scoring and high-energy play to his defensive improvements and leadership, Sexton has showcased all the qualities necessary to become a cornerstone player for the Utah Jazz.
As he continues to develop and improve his game, Sexton’s future in the NBA looks bright. Whether it’s his scoring prowess, his competitiveness, or his potential as a leader, Sexton’s stats and performances speak for themselves. The best may still be yet to come for the “Young Bull” as he takes on new challenges with the Jazz, and the NBA community will be watching closely as he continues to evolve.
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