In 2017, I sat down with Zach Collins just as he was becoming a trailblazer for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Fresh off a historic run to the National Championship game, Collins was preparing to become the first “one-and-done” player in the program’s history. Today, in 2025—with Collins now established as a veteran presence for the Chicago Bulls—his reflections on that pivotal year serve as a buttoned-up case study in high-stakes transition and professional ambition.
Reflecting on our Scoop B Radio session, Collins didn’t just talk about the draft; he talked about the foundation of his “Zag” DNA.
The National Championship Heartbreak
The 2017 title game against North Carolina was a grueling, physical battle that came down to the final possessions. For a freshman like Collins, the loss was a high-level introduction to the thin margins of elite basketball.
“This season was special and something I will never forget. It was the most fun year of my life,” Collins told me. “Falling in that championship game was tough, but I’ll always be proud to be a Zag.”
In 2025, that experience remains the bedrock of his career. Collins learned early that in a “grind” game, every foul and every rotation matters. He brought that Gonzaga discipline—the idea of playing for a “completely crazy basketball school”—into every locker room from Portland to San Antonio and now Chicago.
The “First” of His Kind: Navigating the One-and-Done Label
At the time, Gonzaga wasn’t known for one-and-done prospects. Collins had to navigate the pressure of being a pioneer for the program while staying focused on the team’s undefeated regular season run.
“It was never part of the plan for me to spend just one year in college, but it was never out of the plan either,” he remarked. “For me, it was just win, get better, grow as a person… Whenever I felt like I was ready, that’s when I’d go.”
Looking at the industry in 2025, the “one-and-done” path at Gonzaga is now a proven pipeline (see Jalen Suggs, Chet Holmgren). Collins was the architect of that shift, proving that a player could prioritize the “win” in Spokane while still being a lottery-level talent.
Emulating the Greats: The Technical Evolution
During our discussion, Collins touched on the players he studied to modernize his game. Even as a 7-footer, he was looking for IQ and finesse over raw power, citing legends who played with a “smart” edge.
“I really tried to emulate guys who weren’t always the strongest or most athletic, but they are so smart in the way they get to their shots. I want to make a statement when I get to the NBA.”
In 2025, we see this evolution in his current play style. After battling significant injuries early in his career, Collins has transitioned into a highly efficient “two-way” player. His 2025 stats with the Bulls show a career-high efficiency, shooting over 45% from three and nearly 60% from the field, proving that his early goal of being a “smart” technician was the right long-term play.
The Hall of Fame Mindset
When we wrapped our 2017 session, Collins wasn’t just happy to be drafted; he was looking toward the rafters. He set his goals at the highest possible level before he even walked across the stage at the Barclays Center.
“I want to be in the Hall of Fame when all is said and done… I definitely don’t want to be that guy that gets to the NBA and is content with getting there.”
As he navigates his eighth season in the league, that hunger is still visible. Whether he’s starting or providing high-level insurance off the bench, Zach Collins remains a buttoned-up professional who treats every minute like it’s the final four.
