by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
When it comes to double-doubles, Kansas City Kansas Community College sophomore Nija Collier is one of the best in the nation. With 15 double-doubles in 21 games, she’s averaging 17.4 points and 10.7 rebounds a game.
But both feats are dwarfed by her latest accomplishment – selection as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Player of the Week for the second time and the third time Player of the Week in the KJCCC (Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference).
“Selection as National Player of the Week is a great accomplishment but to be picked a second time in 10 weeks is almost unheard of,” said KCKCC coach Joe McKinstry, whose Blue Devils (18-3) ranked No. 4 in the latest NJCAA Division II poll.
“Collier had a huge week for the nationally ranked Blue Devils with 37 points in two victories,’ noted the KJCCC website. Shooting 61.9 percent from the field, Collier averaged 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in Blue Devil wins over Missouri Valley junior varsity and Southeast Community College last week.
“I really didn’t think I did that well,” said Collier, a 6-1 forward from Detroit. Ironically, Collier has come off the bench in all but three games this season. “Not starting doesn’t bother me at all. I just try to make the most of coming off the bench.”
Collier is the only player in the KJCCC to rank in the top three in all four of the major statistical categories.
She’s second in scoring (17.4), rebounding (10.7) and field goal percentage (.619) and third in 3-point shooting percentage (.440). Nationally, she’s fifth in offensive rebounds (5.0), seventh in free throw percentage (.838) and eighth in field goal percentage.
“Extremely proud of her,” McKinstry said. “She’s worked very hard since the day she stepped on campus as a freshman. All of her statistics and accomplishments are the result of the effort level she gives every single day. She’s a coach’s dream because you never have to question how hard she’s going to play.”
Collier made an immediate impression on McKinstry the day she came to KCKCC on a recruiting visit.
“She stepped on the floor and made five straight 3-pointers warming up,” McKinstry said. “Her field goal, 3-point and free throw percentages don’t lie. She’s really skilled; it’s what she’s capable of. She’s learned how to take her talent and ability and translate it to the organization and structure needed at the college level.”