Collin Darnell Sexton is an American professional basketball player currently with the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 1999-born guard was selected eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA draft after one season at the University of Alabama, where he earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Nicknamed the “Young Bull,” Sexton has built a reputation as an aggressive scoring guard during his professional career, which has also included stints with the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. He represented the United States at the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Spain, winning a gold medal and earning tournament MVP honors.
Collin Sexton Bio
Collin Sexton was born on January 4, 1999, in Marietta, Georgia. He played his high school basketball at Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, before transferring to Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia, for his junior and senior years. At Pebblebrook, he led the Falcons to a 2016 Georgia Region 3-6A title and the 2016 Georgia Class 6A state championship game, averaging 23 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Rated as a five-star recruit, Sexton was regarded as one of the top players in the 2017 recruiting class. He committed to the University of Alabama on November 10, 2016, choosing the Crimson Tide over several other major programs.
Early Life and Background
Collin Sexton was born in Marietta, Georgia, and grew up in Mableton, Georgia, with his parents, Gia and Darnell Sexton, and his older brother, Jordan Sexton. He began playing basketball at just three years old, developing the skills and passion that would eventually carry him to the professional ranks. Growing up in the Atlanta area provided Sexton with access to competitive youth basketball programs and AAU circuits that helped shape his development as a player from an early age.
Path to Basketball
Sexton attended Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, before transferring to Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia, for his junior year. At Pebblebrook, he made an immediate impact, helping the Falcons capture the 2016 Georgia Region 3-6A title and reach the Georgia Class 6A state championship game while averaging 23 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. As a high school senior, Sexton was regarded as one of the premier prospects in the country. He earned a five-star recruit rating and was ranked as the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 2 point guard in the 2017 class by major recruiting services. His stellar high school career culminated in his selection as a McDonald’s All-American in January 2017, one of the most prestigious honors for high school basketball players. Sexton committed to play for the University of Alabama on November 10, 2016, signing his letter of intent the same day.
Collin Sexton Career
College Career (2017–2018)
Collin Sexton played one season for the Alabama Crimson Tide under coach Avery Johnson during the 2017-18 season. He made an immediate impact, averaging 25.5 points per game and demonstrating the scoring ability that would define his professional career. One of his most memorable performances came on November 25, 2017, when he scored 40 points against the University of Minnesota despite his team playing shorthanded for most of the second half. In the SEC tournament, Sexton delivered a buzzer-beating game-winner against Texas A&M in the opening game, followed by 31 points against top-seeded Auburn in the quarterfinals and 21 points against Kentucky in the semifinals. He was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 26.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists across three games. Following Alabama’s exit from the 2018 NCAA tournament, Sexton declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2018–2022)
Sexton was selected with the eighth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA draft. The Cavaliers had acquired the Nets’ pick from Boston through the Kyrie Irving trade from the previous summer. Sexton made his Summer League debut on July 6, 2018, recording 15 points and 7 rebounds. He made his regular season debut on October 17, 2018, scoring 9 points with 3 rebounds in a loss to the Toronto Raptors. During his rookie season, Sexton scored 29 points twice, against the Houston Rockets in November and the Washington Wizards in December. On March 8, 2019, he surpassed Kyrie Irving’s franchise record for most three-pointers made by a rookie with 76. He became the first rookie since Tim Duncan in 1998 to score at least 23 points in seven consecutive games and finished his rookie year on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
During the 2019-20 season, Sexton scored a season-high 41 points against the Boston Celtics on March 4, 2020. He led the Cavaliers in scoring with 20.8 points per game and became the third player in franchise history, alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, to average at least 20 points before turning 22 years old. The following season, on January 20, 2021, Sexton set a new career high with 42 points in a double-overtime victory against the Brooklyn Nets. He repeated as the team’s leading scorer with a career-high 24.3 points per game and a career-best 4.4 assists per game. In November 2021, Sexton suffered a torn left meniscus that required season-ending surgery, cutting his fourth season with Cleveland short.
Utah Jazz (2022–2025)
In September 2022, Sexton was part of a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Utah Jazz. The trade sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland in exchange for Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, three future first-round picks, and two future pick swaps. Sexton signed a four-year, $72 million contract with Utah. He made his Jazz debut on October 19, 2022, recording 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists off the bench in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
Charlotte Hornets (2025–2026)
In June 2025, Sexton was traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a deal that sent Jusuf Nurkić to Utah. He appeared in 63 games for Charlotte during the 2025-26 season, averaging 15.2 points per game while serving as a reserve guard behind veteran leadership. His scoring ability and energy off the bench provided the Hornets with a reliable offensive option throughout the season.
Chicago Bulls (2026–present)
In February 2026, Sexton was traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Ousmane Dieng and three second-round draft picks in exchange for Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. The move added Sexton’s scoring punch to the Bulls’ backcourt rotation as the team looked to build around its core players for the stretch run of the season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sexton is known as an aggressive scoring guard with a relentless attacking mentality. His quick first step allows him to beat defenders off the dribble, and he excels at finishing through contact in the paint. He possesses a solid mid-range game and has shown improvement in his three-point shooting throughout his career. His energy and motor have been consistent strengths throughout his career, allowing him to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sexton’s career highlights include his 41-point performance against the Boston Celtics during the 2019-20 season and his 42-point career-high game against the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers in scoring for two consecutive seasons and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2019. His 40-point game at Alabama while playing shorthanded remains one of the most memorable performances in college basketball history.
Collin Sexton Career Wins
Throughout his professional and collegiate career, Sexton has accumulated numerous high-scoring performances and playoff appearances. His scoring average has consistently remained above 15 points per game across his NBA career, demonstrating his reliability as an offensive threat. At Alabama, he led the Crimson Tide to the SEC tournament semifinals and an NCAA tournament appearance. His FIBA Under-17 World Championship MVP award in 2016 remains one of his earliest and most significant accomplishments on the international stage.
NBA Career Highlights
Sexton’s best professional season came in 2020-21 with Cleveland, when he averaged a career-high 24.3 points per game and 4.4 assists per game while leading the team in scoring. His 42-point game against Brooklyn in January 2021 stands as his single-game career high in the NBA. He scored 41 points against Boston in March 2020, one of five 30-plus point performances during that season.
Other Achievements and Honors
Prior to his NBA career, Sexton earned gold with Team USA at the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Spain, where he was named tournament MVP. He was a McDonald’s All-American in 2017 and won SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2018 while being named to the All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman Team. He was the highest-selected Alabama player in the NBA draft since Antonio McDyess in 1995.
Collin Sexton Family
Family Background
Sexton was born in Marietta, Georgia, and grew up in Mableton, Georgia, with his parents, Gia and Darnell Sexton, and his older brother, Jordan Sexton. His family has supported his basketball career throughout his journey from Georgia youth leagues to the NBA.
Personal Life
Sexton maintains a strong presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his career. Known for his work ethic and dedication to the game, he has continued to develop his skills throughout his professional career. His nickname, “Young Bull,” reflects his aggressive playing style and relentless approach to the game.
2026 Season Performance
After joining the Chicago Bulls in February 2026, Sexton provided valuable scoring depth off the bench for a team competing for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. His ability to create his own shot and provide instant offense made him a useful rotation player as the Bulls looked to make a push down the stretch of the regular season. Working alongside established veterans, Sexton’s energy and scoring ability gave the Bulls another weapon in their backcourt as they prepared for the postseason.