UNLV parts ways with star recruit Zaon Collins
UNLV men’s basketball recruit Zaon Collins will not join the program in 2021-22, Rebels coach T.J. Otzelberger announced Thursday afternoon.
Collins was charged Thursday with reckless driving and driving under the influence causing death after a car crash on Dec. 30 resulted in the death of 52-year-old Las Vegan Eric Echevarria. The 19-year-old point guard had signed a national letter of intent in November to play for UNLV.
“We have talked with the Collins family and have come to the mutual decision that it is in the best interest of everyone that Zaon focus on his other priorities and will not be joining our program,” Otzelberger said in a statement. “It is a tragic situation and our hearts and prayers go out to all that have been impacted.”
Collins was a point guard at Bishop Gorman High and was considered a four-star prospect. He guided the Gaels to three state championships in three varsity seasons. He also had recruitment interest from Arizona State, Arizona and Southern California.
Contact reporter Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.
