Where Are They Now: Chris Collier

Chris Collier cuts down the net after leading the Panthers to the Trans-America Athletic Conference title in 1991.

Chris Collier is perhaps one of the most dominant post players in Georgia State hoops history.

In 1991, Collier helped lead Georgia State to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance by doing something only three other Panthers have ever been able to do: He averaged a rare double double during the season with 18.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.

On Feb. 12, Collier was honored as a Colonial Athletic Association Legend at the GSU men's basketball game with Northeastern, and he was recognized again at the CAA Championships banquet March 3 in Richmond, Va.

What makes Collier's accomplishments on the court especially impressive is the fact that he is only 6 feet 6 inches tall playing in the land of the big men under the basket.

"In college basketball, most centers are 6-foot-9, 6-foot-10. I was 6-foot-6 doing the same thing they did," he remembers. "Probably doing it even better than some of them."

Collier's 49-point game against Butler on Jan. 2, 1991, is still the highest scoring game in school history. In addition, he has the second highest rebound total in a game with 23.

"I remember that night like it was yesterday," Collier said of his 49-point outburst. "I just felt unstoppable... It was almost like I was out there playing the game by myself."

After college, Collier played eight professional seasons in the CBA, the USBL and overseas. Now 41, Collier lives in metro Atlanta with his wife of 18 years and their two children. He began working with Apria Healthcare last summer after spending 11 years with Progressive Lighting.

Collier is not only one of the best players to have worn a Georgia State jersey, he is also a champion for the (relatively) little guys.

"It's not about how big or strong you are," he said. "It's the technique and how you get the job done. You have to apply those same things to life."