Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
February 22, 2001

Collison is averaging 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. (Allsport)

The 6-9 Collison has been an all-around player for the Jayhawks this year. He is averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds per game. He is second on the team in blocks (39) and has 45 assists and 30 steals.

During the summer, the sophomore was selected to play on the USA College Select Team that practiced against the 'Dream Team.' He also played on the USA World Championship For Young Men Qualifying Team where he averaged 8.8 points and 7.2 rebounds in 5 games.

Nick Collison: Hi everybody. I am happy to be here talking to you guys.

Questionfrom orangeeatr: Was there an NBA player you tried to pattern your game after?

Nick Collison: Kind of. A player like Keith Van Horn or Tim Duncan. They are versatile and can do a lot on the floor and inside. I like how those two play. It isn't something I thought about much but they are the guys I try to play like.

Question from dribbler: Has it been a disadvantage being a "young team" and only having 3 seniors?

Nick Collison: Yeah, at times I think. We are young but we all have at least one year of experience. But some teams with more seniors and more experience have a bit of an advantage over us.

Question from big12dude: What's it like playing for Coach Williams and how big was it for the team that he decided to stay rather than going to UNC?

Nick Collison: He demands a lot from you. He wants to get the best out of you and will push you pretty hard but still wants you to feel good about yourself. It was pretty big when he decided to stay because he was one of the big reasons most of us came here. I assumed us he cares a lot about the school and us.

Question from jayhawkfan: Do you think that KU's tradition and history makes them an unfair target for an attack every time they lose a game?

Nick Collison: I think it is definitely a tougher place.. a tough place to struggle. When things aren't going well it is a tough place to play. I think the past success makes it that way. But that attitude makes it good when you win.

Question from dribbler: What are your individual and team goals for the season? And have you accomplished any of them?

Nick Collison: We had team goals of winning the Big 12 and the ultimate of the National Championship. The Big 12 looks tough to get now. Individually I wanted to improve on last year. And get better all around. I think I have done that.

Question from marty3: Describe what it will take for Kansas to go far in this years NCAA Tournament?

Nick Collison: We have to step up and make the big plays when they are needed. Everyone needs to get healthy. When we get Drew back from his broken wrist, that will help. Also if we can get on a roll and play well together -- start clicking at the right time.

Question from kanfan: After the losses to ISU and Baylor, did Coach Williams have you working on anything in particular in practice?

Nick Collison: No. I guess games like the Baylor game, well we had to work on everything after that! But even after the ISU game we had to work on bits of everything like we usually do.

Question from big12dude: How do you think the Big 12 is going to shake out at the end of regular season play?

Nick Collison: Hmm.. good question. We'll have to see.

Question from ceal: From a player's perspective, do you think there's any difference in the officiating of games home vs road?

Nick Collison: Yeah, I think maybe a little. Some refs can get caught up in the crowd and you get more calls at home. Different referees, the more experienced ones, tend to be more impartial. But the calls that could go either way tend to go to the home team.

Question from big_hoops: What part of your game has improved the most in college?

Nick Collison: Probably getting stronger in the post. I finish a lot better with contact. Making post moves without getting bumped off track. I think my overall strength.

Question from big12dude: You play at Nebraska and Kansas St before ending the season with Mizzou.... which of these games look to be the toughest?

Nick Collison: I think they all are going to be tough. Nebraska is tough at home and they have beaten most teams at home. Same with KS. And Mizzou is always tough for us. I can't say who will be the toughest, looking now, it is hard to tell.

Question from dribbler: Some people say you guys are too soft for the Big 12. How would you respond?

Nick Collison: I think they are wrong! If you look at our rebounding and defensive numbers, you will see we are as tough as any in the Big 12.

Question from woozy: What's the secret to being a successful shot blocker?

Nick Collison: I think being in the right position. Helping when others get beat. And good timing! Getting a hand on it and now putting it in the crowd. You get fouls a lot when you swat at it. Getting a finger or two on it is better for blocking shots.

Question from appoll: Is there anyone the team would really prefer not to meet early in the Big 12 tourney?

Nick Collison: No. I think our conference is tough. You will have to play tough teams. I don't think any team out there is an easy game. You just have to go and do your best to win every game.

Question from wolfe: What do you think about guys going pro early?

Nick Collison: I think it is up to the individual. Some situations are good for them to leave. It is good for them and their family. While others will benefit from staying a few more years. You want to come out when you are the best you can be at this level, to put yourself in a good situation. That helps a lot for the first few years in the NBA because you have less of a chance of sitting on the bench. But it is really up to the individual.

Question from kanfan: You hit your career high in points the other night vs. Colorado, when did you know you were in "the zone"?

Nick Collison: I don't know if there was a time. I knew I was getting a lot of easy buckets early and I was off to a good start. That helped.

Question from k-kwik: Who is your best friend friend on the time?

Nick Collison: Definitely not Kenny (Because he is sitting here.. haha!) Probably Kirk since we were roommates. But I am friends with all of the team. I just know Kirk the best.

Question from woozy: What do you feel is your most important contribution to the game? What do you need to continue working on?

Nick Collison: I think my most important thing I bring to the team is consistency. They can count on my to be in the right place on defense and positioning myself to get some buckets. I think I need to improve on a lot of things. Offensively to become a better shooter so when teams leave me open I can hit the outside jumper. I am alright at that now but could be better. That is one thing.

Question from ranger993: What would winning the NCAA Championship mean to you?

Nick Collison: That would be the best moment of my life. I think anyone who plays and has a goal of wining a championship, especially at the college level.. it is big. If we could win the NCAA Tournament I don't know if I could describe it. Hopefully I will have that chance.

Nick Collison: Thanks everybody. Sorry for the questions I couldn't get to.. but I have to go!