Daimion Collins' dad, Ben Collins, has passed away

Heartbreaking news to share this evening, as Kentucky forward Daimion Collins‘ father, Ben Collins, has unexpectedly passed away.

The UK basketball program announced the eldest Collins’ passing Tuesday evening. The 6-foot-9 sophomore previously posted the news on his private social media account.

“We are saddened by the loss of Ben Collins,” head coach John Calipari announced late Tuesday evening. “He was a loving father & husband who wanted the best for his family. It’s been a really rough day for the team, staff and the basketball family but we will do everything we can to support the Collins family through this difficult time.

“We ask that you please keep Daimion, his family and everyone who loved Ben in your thoughts and prayers.”

We ask that you please keep Daimion, his family and everyone who loved Ben in your thoughts and prayers.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 2, 2022

Collins, a native of Atlanta, Texas, lists his parents — Ben and Kim — as his greatest influence in life on his official UK player bio. The Wildcat forward just celebrated his 20th birthday on October 28.

Collins has four siblings in Dailen, Makayla and Diamond Collins and Jamin Powell.

KSR spoke with Ben Collins this past offseason following the standout forward’s decision to return to Kentucky for his sophomore year, where he was excited to see his son’s basketball journey unfold in Lexington, no matter how long it took.

“He likes where he’s at and that’s where he wants to be,” Collins said. “This is what we want. We knew coming in he was undersized and was behind the rest of the kids because of where he was from, but we understood. We didn’t make a big deal about it. He’s done a year, he knows what to look for. He’ll be ready when it’s time.

“He signed a four-year scholarship. If it takes four years, it takes four years. If it takes two years, it takes two years. It’s not a big deal to us, man. When he thinks he’s ready, that’s what we’re going to go by.”

KSR extends its deepest condolences and prayers to the Collins family as they navigate this difficult time. A great man, father and husband gone far too soon.