Aaliyah Collins, the standout defender who helped High Point University capture back‑to‑back Big South titles, has taken her game overseas, signing a professional contract with KK Jumper Zenica for the 2026‑27 season. The deal makes her the first player from the United States ever to join the Bosnian powerhouse, a club that has dominated the domestic league in recent years.
College Career Highlights
During her three‑year tenure with the Panthers, Collins appeared in 67 games, starting 52 of them. She amassed 796 points, dished out 233 assists and recorded 161 steals, while also blocking 24 shots. In the 2025‑26 campaign she posted a career‑high 14.9 points per game and led the team in both steals and blocks, earning Big South Conference Defender of the Year and first‑team all‑conference honors.
Road to the Pros
A native of Snohomish, Washington, Collins began her collegiate journey at Chicago State, where she earned the distinction of being the first five‑time WAC Freshman of the Week and the first CSU student‑athlete to receive a USBWA National Freshman of the Week award. After transferring to Grand Canyon University, she continued to develop before landing at High Point, where she became a cornerstone of the program’s recent success.
Collins joins a small but growing contingent of Pro Panthers making their mark abroad, following in the footsteps of Lauren Scott and Jaleesa Lawrence, who have both recently completed professional stints in Europe. Her move to Zenica not only underscores her individual talent but also highlights the increasing pathway from American collegiate basketball to competitive leagues overseas.
What This Means for Bosnian Basketball
The addition of Collins is expected to bolster Zenica’s defensive schemes and add a new dimension to their backcourt play. As the reigning champions look to defend their title, the club’s management sees Collins as a strategic asset that can help maintain their dominance while also expanding the team’s international profile.