Yuri Collins Bio
Yuri Collins (born March 7, 2001) is an American professional basketball player most recently associated with the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, he plays the point guard position and is widely recognized for his elite passing vision. Collins has competed in the NBA G League, the Canadian Elite Basketball League, and briefly appeared in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Golden State Warriors organization.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Collins starred at St. Mary’s High School before enjoying a decorated run with the Saint Louis Billikens of the Atlantic 10 Conference. After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, he carved out a professional career through the G League ranks, ultimately signing with the Long Island Nets in November 2025.
Early Life and Background
Yuri Collins was born on March 7, 2001, in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. He grew up in a large family and is the older brother of Zyree Collins, with five siblings in total, including two sisters and three brothers. Collins was born with polydactyly, meaning he had an extra finger on his right hand, which was later removed.
He attended St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he emerged as one of the top guards in the region. As a senior, Collins averaged 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, showcasing the all-around skill set that would later define his college career. He led St. Mary’s to the Class 4 state championship game, averaging more than 30 points per game during the team’s postseason run.
Path to Basketball
Coming out of high school, Collins was a highly regarded recruit who received scholarship offers from several major programs, including DePaul, Iowa, Missouri, Missouri State, and SMU. He ultimately committed to Saint Louis University, choosing to stay close to home and join the Billikens of the Atlantic 10 Conference. His decision to play for the Saint Louis Billikens allowed him to develop in front of familiar crowds while contributing to a program on the rise.
At Saint Louis, Collins quickly established himself as a dynamic lead guard. As a freshman, he averaged 5.4 points and 5.5 assists per game, leading all freshmen in assists. His court vision and pace-setting ability set the foundation for what would become one of the most decorated individual careers in program history.
Yuri Collins Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Collins spent his first two college seasons developing his game and learning the point guard position. As a sophomore, he averaged 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, continuing to grow into a leadership role. By his junior year, he became the focal point of the Billikens’ offense after teammate Javonte Perkins suffered an ACL tear.
During the 2021–22 season, Collins was named First Team All-Atlantic 10 and earned a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, leading NCAA Division I in assists. Following the season, he entered the 2022 NBA draft and the transfer portal before ultimately withdrawing from the draft and returning to Saint Louis.
Saint Louis Billikens Breakthrough (2022–2023)
As a senior, Collins cemented his legacy as one of the greatest passers in college basketball. On November 30, 2022, he recorded 20 assists in a win over Tennessee State, setting a school record and tying for the fourth-most assists in a single game in Division I history. His playmaking ability that season helped Saint Louis compete at a high level in the Atlantic 10.
Collins repeated as the NCAA Division I assists leader in 2023 and earned First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors for the second consecutive year. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and distributing made him one of the most well-rounded guards in the country, even as he went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft.
Golden State Warriors / Santa Cruz Warriors Era (2023–2025)
After going undrafted in 2023, Collins joined the Golden State Warriors for the 2023 NBA Summer League and signed with the organization on October 16, 2023. He was waived two days later and quickly joined the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League on October 30, 2023. He spent the next two seasons developing in Santa Cruz, returning for the 2024 NBA Summer League and signing again with Golden State in September 2024 before being waived and rejoining Santa Cruz.
On February 19, 2025, the Golden State Warriors signed Collins to a 10-day contract. Four days later, on February 23, 2025, Collins made his NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring his first two career points in a 126-102 victory. The appearance marked the realization of a lifelong dream and validated years of work in the G League.
Scarborough Shooting Stars and Long Island Nets (2025)
On May 17, 2025, Collins signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, expanding his professional resume internationally. His rights were later traded from Santa Cruz to the Long Island Nets on September 9, 2025, in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick. He signed a training camp deal with the Brooklyn Nets on September 20, 2025, but was waived the next day. Collins signed with the Long Island Nets on November 3, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Collins’ career, his 20-assist performance against Tennessee State stands as a school record and one of the most impressive single-game passing displays in NCAA Division I history. His NBA debut with the Golden State Warriors on February 23, 2025, also represents a significant milestone, capping a journey that began with stardom at St. Mary’s High School and continued through a decorated Saint Louis career.
Yuri Collins Career Wins
Yuri Collins’ most celebrated individual achievements have come in the form of statistical leadership and postseason recognition rather than team championships. He led NCAA Division I in assists in both 2022 and 2023, becoming a two-time NCAA assists leader during his time at Saint Louis. He was also a two-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, earning the honor in both 2022 and 2023.
College Highlights
Collins’ college résumé is highlighted by his back-to-back NCAA Division I assists titles and his repeat selection as a First Team All-Atlantic 10 performer. He added Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team honors in 2022, rounding out one of the most complete individual seasons in program history. His 20-assist game against Tennessee State remains a Saint Louis record.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond college, Collins reached the NBA after years of development in the G League, signing with the Golden State Warriors and making his debut in February 2025. He also gained international experience with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2025, further broadening his professional profile.
Yuri Collins Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Yuri Collins was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, in a sizable family. He is the older brother of Zyree Collins and has five siblings in total, including two sisters and three brothers. He was born with polydactyly, an extra finger on his right hand, which was removed during his youth.
Personal Life Details
Public information regarding Collins’ personal relationships remains limited. He is known to be close with his siblings and has spoken about the role his family has played in his basketball journey. His brother Zyree has been mentioned as a notable figure within the Collins family.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year was a transformative one for Yuri Collins. He began the year with the Santa Cruz Warriors before earning a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors in February, which led to his NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2025. Later that spring, he joined the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, gaining valuable experience in a new league and country.
During the offseason, Collins’ returning player rights were traded from the Santa Cruz Warriors to the Long Island Nets on September 9, 2025, in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick. After a brief training camp stint with the Brooklyn Nets, he signed with the Long Island Nets on November 3, 2025, where he continued to showcase his playmaking ability in the G League.
Looking ahead, Collins’ combination of NCAA accolades, NBA experience, and G League consistency positions him well for further opportunities. His continued development as a pass-first point guard could lead to additional NBA call-ups or international opportunities in the seasons to come.