C. J. McCollum

C. J. McCollum – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life and career of C. J. McCollum — from his humble beginnings to NBA stardom. Explore his biography, achievements, leadership roles, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Christian James “C. J.” McCollum (born September 19, 1991) is an American professional basketball player known for his scoring ability, intelligence off the court, and leadership in the players’ union. Over the years, McCollum has built a reputation not only as a reliable NBA guard but also as someone deeply interested in journalism, mentoring youth, and giving back to his community. His journey from a modest upbringing in Canton, Ohio to becoming a voice in and out of the locker room makes him a compelling figure in modern sports.

Early Life and Family

C. J. McCollum was born in Canton, Ohio, to Kathy Andrews and Errick McCollum Sr.

Growing up, McCollum and his brother were encouraged to pursue both academic and athletic excellence. His parents emphasized reading, critical thinking, and diligence — values that would come to influence McCollum’s off-court interests and ventures.

In his youth, C. J. was not initially a standout athlete — he was relatively undersized and had to work harder to earn attention. As he matured in high school, a growth spurt and dedication to refining his shooting and skills helped him stand out.

Youth and Education

High School Years

McCollum attended GlenOak High School in Canton, Ohio, playing basketball for the Golden Eagles. 54 points in a single game, setting school and county records.

By his senior year, he was averaging about 29.3 points per game, becoming the all-time leading scorer in GlenOak’s history with 1,405 points, and earning Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year honors.

College at Lehigh University

Rather than join a big NCAA powerhouse right away, McCollum went to Lehigh University (2009–2013), where he studied journalism.

From the beginning, he made an impact. As a freshman, he averaged 19.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, becoming the first freshman ever named the Patriot League Player of the Year.

Perhaps one of his most memorable collegiate moments came in the 2012 NCAA Tournament: Lehigh, a No. 15 seed, upset No. 2 seed Duke — and McCollum scored 30 points in that game.

Over his college career, he became the Patriot League’s all-time leading scorer, finishing with a career average of ~21.3 points per game.

Despite being projected to be drafted early, McCollum chose to complete his education instead of leaving early. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

Career and Achievements

Entry into the NBA

In the 2013 NBA Draft, McCollum was selected 10th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers — becoming the first player ever drafted from Lehigh University.

His rookie season was delayed by a foot injury, causing him to miss the first six weeks.

Growth and Breakout

In his first two seasons, McCollum played a supporting role, gradually increasing his minutes and impact.

His breakthrough came in 2015–16, when he blossomed as a full-time starter alongside Damian Lillard. That season, he averaged ~20.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game — earning the NBA Most Improved Player award.

Over the subsequent seasons with Portland, McCollum remained a consistent scorer and reliable option, often providing critical buckets in clutch moments.

Trade to New Orleans and Washington

In February 2022, McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, in a multi-player deal. 42 points, including making 11 three-pointers in a game — a franchise record for threes in a match. career-high 50 points in a game vs. Washington.

In mid-2025, McCollum was traded again — this time to the Washington Wizards, marking a new chapter in his NBA journey.

Leadership, Media & Off-Court Endeavors

McCollum has shown remarkable interest beyond basketball. In 2021, he was elected President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), succeeding Chris Paul.

He also hosts a weekly podcast, Pull Up with CJ McCollum, which features interviews with players and figures across sports and culture.

McCollum has a strong commitment to youth and community development. He founded the CJ McCollum Dream Center, a learning room at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club outfitted with resources for underserved youth. CJ’s Press Pass, which gives aspiring young journalists access to media events and mentorship.

Additionally, McCollum is a wine enthusiast. During the NBA “bubble” in 2020, he brought 84 bottles of wine with him and maintained chilled storage in his hotel. He also launched his own wine label, McCollum Heritage 91, named in part after his birth year and the street he grew up on.

Historical Milestones & Context

• First Lehigh draftee: Before McCollum, no player had been selected from Lehigh University in the NBA Draft.

• Patriot League legacy: He earned Patriot League Player of the Year honors twice (2010, 2012) and left as the conference’s all-time leading scorer.

• NBA Most Improved Player: In 2016, McCollum’s leap in performance was recognized league-wide.

• Leadership in NBPA: His election to NBPA president places him among a small group of players who combine on-court prominence with union leadership.

• Philanthropy and media branding: Unlike many athletes who delay off-court plans, McCollum simultaneously built media credentials and community impact early in his career.

Legacy and Influence

C. J. McCollum’s legacy is multifaceted. On the court, he’s respected for his scoring versatility, shot-making in tight situations, and consistency. Off the court, he has positioned himself as a bridge between culture, media, players’ rights, and youth empowerment.

Through his podcast and writing, McCollum contributes to sports discourse and gives a voice to athletes beyond just game performance. Through his Dream Center and Press Pass initiatives, he seeks to open doors for young people — especially those from underprivileged backgrounds — to see reading, journalism, creativity, and possibility as integral parts of life, not just sports.

As a union leader, he has influence over policies that affect all NBA players — an especially meaningful role for someone who also values education and advocacy.

In the long run, McCollum may be remembered not only as a player, but as a thinker, mentor, and catalyst for athlete influence off the hardwood.

Personality and Talents

McCollum is often described as thoughtful, articulate, and introspective. His background in journalism gives him an edge in communication. He values learning, reading, and expressing himself — not just through interviews or his podcast, but also in mentoring youth in media skills.

Physically, he is listed at 6′3″ (1.91 m) and ~190 lb (86 kg).

He also places a high priority on body care, recovery, flexibility, and conditioning. As one of his quotes reflects:

“I do a good job of taking care of my body.”

His approach is that every aspect — physical, mental, communicative — contributes to longevity and impact.

Famous Quotes of C. J. McCollum

Here are some notable quotes that reflect his mindset, philosophy, and character:

• “I try not to worry about nothing I can’t control.”

• “Writing and speaking and communicating, it’s something important to me, and something I want to get better at.”

• “Growing up in the inner city, a lot of kids didn’t think reading was cool. I’m trying to show them that it is cool…”

• “I work really hard on my craft.”

• “Life happens fast. You have to have a Plan B … just avenues of happiness.”

• “It’s crazy, I almost quit basketball when I was younger.”

• “We need to play like somebody took our lunch money…”

• “I always say, it’s not the shoes; it’s the player. If you can hoop, you can hoop.”

• “Everything in the NBA is sped up. Lanes close much faster than college.”

These quotations underscore resilience, self-discipline, pursuit of excellence, and a broader vision beyond sport.

Lessons from C. J. McCollum

1. Be multi-dimensional — McCollum shows that being an elite athlete doesn't preclude developing interests in writing, media, or advocacy.

2. Embrace growth — His leap to Most Improved Player demonstrates the power of dedication, deliberate practice, and seizing opportunity.

3. Lead by action — Whether inside the union or in community work, McCollum leads through doing rather than mere words.

4. Plan beyond the game — He consistently emphasizes that life extends past basketball, and he’s built ventures to reflect that.

5. Use influence for others — His Dream Center and Press Pass reflect a belief in lifting others along the way.

Conclusion

C. J. McCollum’s journey is more than that of a gifted scorer — it's the story of a thinker-athlete who blends performance, purpose, and presence. From Canton, Ohio to the NBA, and from journalism to union leadership, McCollum’s path reflects a commitment to self-improvement, community impact, and a legacy beyond points per game.

If you want, I can also prepare a full list of C. J. McCollum quotes, or focus in-depth on his NBPA leadership or philanthropic work. Which would you like next?