Atlanta Hawks forward/center John Collins has been awarded the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy for the 2019-20 season, it was announced today. Collins is the 13th player to receive the award, earned annually by the Hawks player who most closely exemplifies the characteristics of a community ambassador displayed by Collier, the late Atlanta center who passed away in 2005.
“I am incredibly humbled to receive the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy,” said Collins. “Giving back and providing assistance, whether in Atlanta or West Palm Beach, is extremely important to me and I am proud to carry on Jason Collier’s legacy of connecting with the community beyond the basketball court.”
John Collins has emphatically shown through his actions and service that Veterans and their causes are dear to his heart. He has authentically connected with clients at VEO and shared his time, talent and treasure to affect change in their lives. At such a young age John has embraced his responsibility in caring and connecting with the community in Atlanta. – Tyler Bowser, Air Force Veteran and Director of External Partnerships, Veterans Empowerment Organization
During the 2019-20 season, Collins positively impacted communities in Atlanta and his hometown of West Palm Beach, FL. In his third NBA season, the Wake Forest product served as an Honorary Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, provided meals and clothing to Veterans Empowerment Organization, physically visited patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, virtually connected with COVID-19 patients and frontline employees at Emory Healthcare and sponsored Goodr pop-up grocery giveaways for roughly 600 families in Atlanta and Palm Beach County, FL.
“Congratulations to John Collins on being named the recipient of this year’s Jason Collier Memorial Trophy,” said Collier’s widow, Katie. “Myself, our daughter Ella and my entire family are so very proud of the Hawks players’ continuous love and compassion they present to the community. Go Hawks!”
While serving as an Honorary Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Collins hosted Bigs and Littles at Hawks games throughout the season, led a virtual basketball clinic for 90 Littles, and participated in a town hall to increase support and recruit adults to serve as Bigs. Earlier this season, Collins announced a surprise trip for one Big/Little to attend a Hawks road game in Brooklyn.
Collins, whose parents each served in the military, visited Veterans Empowerment Organization on multiple occasions this season. In advance of Veterans Day, Collins served dinner for 70 and provided professional clothing for Veterans seeking to re-enter the workforce. Additionally, Collins hosted several Veterans and their families at State Farm Arena for Hawks home games in 2019-20.
After the NBA season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins surprised patients and staff at Emory Hospital with a virtual check-in. To support workers on the front line of the pandemic, Collins partnered with the Hawks Foundation to donate funds for continued pop-up giveaways and immunity-boosting juice shots from Kale Me Crazy.
