Current NBA Players from the State of Utah (2023-2024)
Basketball players, and indeed competitors across all athletic fields, carry a badge of honor for their birthplaces. It could be their home state, the neighborhood they grew up in, or the area code they associate with; there’s always a noticeable desire to represent one’s beginnings.
The same holds true for the fan base. There’s an added thrill in supporting a player who shares your state lines or even the same local stomping grounds, especially when that athlete plays for the team you root for above all others.
Bearing this in mind, we scoured through NBA.com to extract the home states or, in some instances, the home countries of every player listed on the active rosters of each team.
Our findings included 1 player originating from the state of Utah.
NBA Players from Utah
Below is a “list” of the lone player on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometown and the respective team they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Collins | Layton | Utah | Utah Jazz |
Player Bios
Here is a little more info on the player representing the state of Utah, John Collins.
John Collins
John Collins III was born in Layton, Utah, but raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he attended Cardinal Newman High School. Collins developed into a top basketball prospect in Florida, known for his athleticism, versatility, and skills as a power forward.
He played college basketball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, showcasing his ability as a strong inside presence and efficient scorer.
In 2023, Collins joined the NBA’s Utah Jazz, the team from his birth state, in a trade involving Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. Standing at 6’9″ and weighing 235 lbs, Collins plays the power forward position and is known for his shooting, rebounding ability, and inside scoring.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Utah to the gleaming hardwood of NBA arenas, these players carry with them a piece of their home state, a testament to the talent and determination that Utah instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Utah continues to shine on the national stage. To the fans back home, these players are more than just athletes; they are local heroes, each with a story that resonates with the dreams of young ballers across the state.
As the season unfolds, we will watch their stories develop further, cheering for not only the skills they display but also the communities they represent. The spirit of Utah basketball is alive and well in the NBA, and perhaps, in the cheers of the crowd, the players can hear a little bit of home calling back to them.
