Doug Collins

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full namePaul Douglas "Doug"•Collins
Used nameDoug•Collins
Born28 July 1951 in Christopher, Illinois (USA)
Measurements198 cm / 82 kg
AffiliationsIllinois State Redbirds, Normal (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

In the final game in 1972, Doug Collins stole the ball from a Russian and broke downcourt for the lay-up that would have given the U.S. a one-point victory. He was intentionally fouled to prevent this and missed the lay-up, but in one of the Olympics’ great clutch performances he calmly sank both free throws to seemingly give the U.S. another Olympic gold. Several minutes later, however, the joy turned to sorrow as the officials and Alexandr Belov combined to give the Soviet Union a one-point victory. Collins returned for his senior year at Illinois State where he made many All-America teams.

Collins was the first-pick in the 1973 NBA draft – by the Philadelphia 76ers – and a great NBA career was predicted for him. Collins played for nine years in the NBA and undoubtedly had a good career. However, the greatness predicted for him never emerged, held back by a never-ending string of injuries. At his best he was one of the top guards in the NBA. Doug Collins later coached in both college and the NBA, also became a well-known basketball commentator on television. One of his children, Chris Collins, played basketball at Duke and later was an assistant coach there and became a head coach at Northwestern University.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Summer Olympics Basketball (Basketball) USA Doug Collins
Basketball, Men (Olympic) United States 2 Silver