Collin Gillespie has steadily climbed the basketball ladder, transitioning from a standout college player at Villanova University to a promising NBA talent. Known for his grit and determination, Gillespie has defied odds to make a name for himself in the league. He plays as a point guard for the Phoenix Suns under a two-way contract.
This article explores his personal life, career journey, financial details, and endorsements.
Collin Gillespie’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Collin Gillespie |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1999 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Education | Villanova University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.7 million |
| Salary (2024-25) | $578,577 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Christina Mastracchio |
| Instagram Profile | @collin105 |
| Twitter Profile | @Colling1021 |
Early Career
Collin Gillespie’s early basketball career is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Born on June 25, 1999, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gillespie grew up in Warminster and attended Archbishop Wood Catholic High School. His journey began modestly, as he was not heavily recruited during his early high school years.
However, his breakout senior season changed everything. Under the guidance of Coach John Mosco, Gillespie led Archbishop Wood to the PIAA Class 5A state championship in 2017, cementing his reputation as one of the best players in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
During his senior year, Gillespie averaged an impressive 24.1 points per game and earned accolades such as Philadelphia Player of the Year and Catholic League MVP. One of his most memorable performances came against Neumann-Goretti, where he scored a career-high 42 points in a regular-season game.
This remarkable display of skill and leadership caught the attention of college scouts, including Villanova’s legendary coach Jay Wright. Despite initially receiving offers from smaller programs like Rider and Hofstra, Gillespie’s standout performances in tournaments ultimately earned him a scholarship offer from Villanova University.
Gillespie signed his letter of intent with Villanova in April 2017, joining a recruiting class that included Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree and Jermaine Samuels. His transition to college basketball was smooth but challenging.
As a freshman during the 2017-18 season, Gillespie quickly adapted to the pace and competitiveness of NCAA basketball. Although he initially planned to redshirt, Coach Jay Wright decided otherwise due to Gillespie’s maturity and readiness to contribute immediately.
In his first collegiate season, Gillespie played a key role in Villanova’s NCAA Championship-winning campaign. Despite missing over a month due to a fractured bone in his hand, he returned strong and made significant contributions during crucial games.
He averaged 4.3 points per game while maintaining an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.6-to-1. His ability to remain composed under pressure and make smart decisions on the court set him apart as a promising young player.
Professional Career
Collin Gillespie’s professional basketball career began in 2022 after going undrafted in the NBA Draft. Despite this setback, Gillespie signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, showcasing his determination to prove himself at the highest level.
His debut in the NBA Summer League was promising; he averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over four games, including an impressive performance where he scored 11 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, his rookie season took an unfortunate turn when he suffered a lower leg fracture that required surgery, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2022-23 season.
Although Gillespie did not play during his first year due to injury, he remained part of the Nuggets organization and celebrated as the team won the NBA Championship in 2023. His resilience paid off when he re-signed with Denver for the 2023-24 season on another two-way contract.
This season marked his official NBA debut, where he played in 24 games, averaging 3.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 46.4% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc. Gillespie’s playing time was limited due to competition at the point guard position, but injuries to key players like Jamal Murray opened opportunities for him to contribute during certain stretches of the season.
Despite his limited role with Denver, Gillespie showed flashes of potential during moments when he was called upon. For example, in November 2023, he played a four-game stretch averaging 16 minutes per game and gradually gained confidence running the team’s offense.
However, as other players returned from injury and Denver adjusted its rotation strategy, Gillespie’s minutes diminished again. By the end of his time with Denver, it became clear that while Gillespie had talent and work ethic, he needed more consistent opportunities to grow as a player.
Girlfriend
Collin Gillespie has been in a long-term relationship with Christina Mastracchio, whom he met during his time at Villanova University.
Christina is a highly accomplished individual, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from Villanova. During her college years, she was an active member of the Villanova Dance Team, which performed at various athletic events, including basketball games. It was through these activities that she crossed paths with Gillespie, who was a standout player for the Villanova Wildcats.
Professionally, Christina works as a Research Assistant at the Developing Brain Institute (DBI), an organization focused on studying brain development in infants. Her dedication to her career and commitment to fitness and wellness are evident through her private social media accounts, where she occasionally shares insights into her lifestyle and workout routines.
Collin Gillespie’s Net Worth Details
Collin Gillespie’s net worth is estimated to be $1.7 million as of 2025.
Contract
Collin Gillespie is currently signed to a one-year two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns for the 2024-25 NBA season. Under this agreement, Gillespie splits his time between the Suns and their G-League affiliate, the Valley Suns. His contract is valued at $578,577, which is standard for players on two-way deals.
This type of contract allows him to gain valuable experience in both the NBA and G-League, providing opportunities for development while contributing to both teams. The deal reflects Gillespie’s current role as a promising young player working to establish himself in the league.
Salary
For the current season (2024-25), Gillespie earns $578,577—a modest figure compared to NBA standards but reflective of his two-way contract status.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Denver Nuggets | $508,891 |
| 2023-24 | Denver Nuggets | $559,782 |
| 2024-25 | Phoenix Suns | $578,577 |
| Total | $1,647,250 |
Endorsements
Collin Gillespie has partnered with a few brands during his professional basketball career, although his endorsement portfolio remains relatively modest compared to higher-profile NBA players. Among the notable endorsements, Gillespie has collaborated with Outback Steakhouse and The Players Trunk.
These partnerships align with his growing popularity as an athlete and provide supplemental income alongside his NBA earnings. Gillespie continues to build his brand, with potential for additional sponsorships as his career progresses.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Denver Nuggets | 24 | 0 | 9.4 | 3.6 | 46.4% | 39.5% | 66.7% | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| 2024-25 | Phoenix Suns | 26 | 7 | 11.4 | 4.6 | 44.8% | 44.0% | 92.3% | 2.0 | 2.2 |
| Career Total | 50 | 7 | 10.4 | 4.1 | 45.6% | 41.8% | 79.5% | 1.5 | 1.7 |
FAQs
1. Who is Collin Gillespie?
Collin Gillespie is an American professional basketball player born on June 25, 1999, in Warminster, Pennsylvania. He currently plays as a guard for the Phoenix Suns on a two-way contract. Gillespie gained prominence during his college career at Villanova University, where he helped the Wildcats win the 2018 NCAA Championship.
2. What are Collin Gillespie’s key achievements?
Gillespie has earned several accolades, including being part of Villanova’s 2018 NCAA Championship team, winning the Bob Cousy Award in 2022, and being named Big East Player of the Year twice (2021, 2022). He also won an NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023 during his rookie season.
3. What is Collin Gillespie’s playing style?
Collin Gillespie is known for his high basketball IQ, playmaking abilities, and leadership on the court. His playing style has drawn comparisons to NBA great Steve Nash due to his efficient passing and scoring ability. He excels as a point guard with strong decision-making and shooting skills.
4. What were Collin Gillespie’s college basketball stats?
During his time at Villanova, Gillespie averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in his senior year. He was a consistent performer and a key leader for the team throughout his college career.
5. How did Collin Gillespie start his professional career?
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Gillespie signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets. Despite suffering a leg injury early in his rookie season, he returned to contribute to the Nuggets’ championship win in 2023. In 2024, he signed with the Phoenix Suns.
6. What is Collin Gillespie’s current role with the Phoenix Suns?
Gillespie plays on a two-way contract for the Phoenix Suns and their G League affiliate, Valley Suns. In the 2024-25 season, he has shown promising performances, averaging 21.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game in G League play.
7. What was Collin Gillespie’s high school basketball journey?
Gillespie attended Archbishop Wood High School in Philadelphia and was named Philadelphia Player of the Year in 2017. His standout performances earned him a scholarship to Villanova University.
8. What injuries has Collin Gillespie faced during his career?
Gillespie suffered an MCL tear during his junior year at Villanova but recovered fully by summer. In July 2022, he fractured his lower leg while with the Denver Nuggets but returned to play a key role in their championship-winning season.
9. How tall is Collin Gillespie and what is his physical profile?
Collin Gillespie stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and weighs 195 pounds (88 kg). His physical profile complements his role as a point guard with agility and strength.
10. What are Collin Gillespie’s notable performances in the NBA?
One of Gillespie’s standout NBA performances came on March 4, 2025, when he scored a season-high 10 points in Phoenix’s comeback win against the Clippers. He showcased efficient shooting and playmaking skills during critical moments of the game.
