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Devon Collier trusted coach Craig Robinson, and now he’s making an impact at Oregon State

Devon Collier

Devon Collier chose to attend college nearly 3,000 miles away from where he grew up in New York City.

He had a chance to stay closer to home, perhaps at Seton Hall, St. John’s, or Providence, but made the decision to head west and play for coach Craig Robinson at Oregon State.

“He has a very good support system who wanted him out of the city, but they let him make his own choice,” said Robinson. “He came out here and trusted what I said and it’s been a match made in heaven.”

After a 21-point, six-rebounds performance Thursday night in a loss to Alabama to start his homecoming, Collier tallied a double-double of 27 points and 14 rebounds in a 66-58 win over Purdue in the Consolation Game of the 2K Sports Classic Friday evening at Madison Square Garden.

“This means a lot, especially coming off a bad loss yesterday,” said Collier. “My family being able to come through and see me play was great. They were excited whether we lost or won and just to have them around.”

“Most guys don’t play when they have a homecoming,” said Robinson. “Devon has now proven me wrong four different times.”

According to Robinson, Collier is growing and maturing in Corvallis, doing well in school and getting involved in the community.

On the court, he’ll continue to be key for Oregon State if the Beavers want to make a run at the postseason. Through three games, he’s averaging 15.5 points and seven rebounds.

The Beavers travel home to take on Montana State Sunday.

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_