Playing college basketball involves more than just minutes on the court. The relationships players build with coaches, teammates and even fans can have a lasting impact beyond the game itself.
This week’s story is a great example. It involves a player who has spent just one season in Lexington but walked away with more than basketball success.
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Collin Chandler, a 6-foot-5 guard from Farmington, Kentucky, appeared in 30 games for the Wildcats, averaging 10.4 minutes per contest. But on Thursday, he celebrated something far more significant—he married his wife, Hannah.
On Saturday, the official Kentucky Men’s Basketball account acknowledged this major life event, showing support for Chandler and celebrating this special moment in his life.
“Congratulations to the Chandlers,” their official X account posted.
Chandler came to the Wildcats after winning Mr. Basketball in the state of Utah following his senior year of high school. That season, he scored 21.7 points per game.
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After graduating from high school, Chandler originally was going to head to Brigham Young University and play for Mark Pope. However, following Pope’s departure from Provo and arrival in Lexington, Chandler de-committed and made Lexington his new home.
This decision followed two seasons removed from the game of basketball, as he served a two-year Latter-Day Saint mission in Sierra Leone.
Kentucky Wildcats guard Collin Chandler (5). © Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Pope, set to start his second season at the helm in Lexington, is a former player with the Wildcats. After 110 wins at Brigham Young, the head coach went 24-12 in his first season in the SEC. Kentucky lost in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 to the Tennessee Volunteers.
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According to 247Sports transfer portal rankings, the Wildcats have the fourth-best incoming class, only behind St. John’s, Michigan and Louisville. Kentucky has added four players ranked as four-stars and five-star Jayden Quaintance out of Arizona State.
Related: Kentucky Guard Makes Life-Changing Announcement After Freshman Season
Related: Kentucky’s Mark Pope Sends Clear Message on 7-Foot-1 Transfer
