Jimmy Collins, who coached Illinois-Chicago to the NCAA Tournament three times in 14 seasons, died Sunday morning, the school announced. He was 74.
Collins led UIC to a 218-208 record from 1996 to 2010. The Flames posted four 20-win seasons and made the program’s only NCAA Tournament appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2004.
Collins played for Lou Henson at New Mexico State from 1967-70. He helped the Aggies reach the Final Four in his last season and was drafted 11th overall by the Bulls.
Forever in our hearts.#RIPJimmy pic.twitter.com/sdJpVAimkD
— UIC Men's Basketball (@UIC_MBB) December 13, 2020
Collins spent 13 seasons as an assistant under Henson at Illinois and was one of the main architects of the 1988-89 “Flyin’ Illini” squad that won 31 games and reached the Final Four. He also recruited Deon Thomas, Illinois’ career scoring leader and a former UIC assistant. Collins was inducted into the UIC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
Collins is survived by his wife Hettie and children Erica, Kenny, Semaj and Brandi.
