Napheesa Collier is a talented power forward in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) who has quickly made a name for herself on the court. Born on September 23, 1996, in O'Fallon, Missouri, Collier's basketball journey began at a young age and has led her to many accomplishments in her career.
Collier's basketball skills were evident early on, as she excelled in high school and caught the attention of college scouts. She eventually chose to attend the prestigious University of Connecticut, where she continued to showcase her talent. During her time at UCONN, Collier was a two-time All-American and was twice named the AAC Player of the Year.
In 2019, Collier was selected as the sixth overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. In her debut season, she quickly made an impact by being named the WNBA Rookie of the Year and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Collier's scoring ability was evident from the start, as she scored an impressive 27 points in her first WNBA game.
Throughout her career, Collier has continued to impress with her all-around game, earning multiple WNBA All-Star Game appearances and even winning an Olympic Gold Medal. Her versatility on the court and strong work ethic have made her a standout player in the league.
Off the court, Collier is a devoted wife to her husband, Alex Bazzell, and an advocate for her community. She is proud of her heritage, being of Creole and Sierra Leonean descent, and uses her platform to inspire others both on and off the court.
During her time at UCONN, Collier had the privilege of being coached by Geno Auriemma, a legendary figure in women's basketball. Auriemma's guidance and mentorship played a significant role in shaping Collier's career and helping her reach her full potential as a player.
As Collier continues to make waves in the WNBA, her future looks bright. With her talent, determination, and passion for the game, there is no doubt that she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the court for years to come.