Collin “Young Bull” Sexton has embarked on a new phase of his NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets, embracing a fresh, different role that requires him to step up as a crucial veteran presence for the young team.
In a Q&A with me on ScoopB.com, he acknowledges the learning curve that comes with transitioning to a third franchise but feels overwhelmingly positive noting the organization has welcomed him with open arms.
Sexton also shared a personal connection to the team’s history, citing meeting Muggsy Bogues and Dell Curry as a significant moment, which reinforced the gravity of joining the Hornets’ legacy.
Sexton also delved into his dynamic with fellow point guard LaMelo Ball, Sexton emphasizes their coexistence is built on adjustment and trust. They seamlessly share ball-handling duties, underscoring the importance of a cooperative relationship in the modern, position-less game.
Now a seven-year veteran, Sexton identifies leadership as the most significant lesson he brought from his time with the Jazz. He focuses on being a “true professional” and actively mentoring the younger players, showcasing his evolution from a young scorer to an impactful veteran leader.
Check Out Collin Sexton’s Q&A dialogue with ScoopB.com:
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What’s your adjustment been like playing for the Charlotte Hornets?
Collin Sexton: The adjustment has been different. I got a different role. I feel like they’re asking me for something different. So it’s been good. It’s definitely been good, it’s a learning curve. You know how everything is, especially when you come to a new place, but I feel everybody’s been welcoming me with open arms. So that’s all I can do.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What was your point of entry for the Charlotte Hornets as a fan of basketball?
Collin Sexton: I would say Mugsy Bogues! I met him for the first time, him and Dell Curry at the same time. So those two legends really put me up there. I was like: ‘oh wow, I’m here.’ So I was super excited to meet those guys, just because of all of the things that I know about them, away from here and coming here, those are two people that I was really like: ‘Oh wow.’ So I think that was cool.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You and LaMelo Ball are both point guards. How do you guys play off each other when you’re on the floor together, while you both play the same position in Charlotte?
Collin Sexton: I would say just adjusting, at the end of the day. Give or take; he’ll bring it up, let him bring it up. If I get it, I’ll bring it up. So just playing off each other, but also building that trust between one another. I feel like with the way the game is going, you have to have that trust between the one and two, regardless of who brings it up, or who doesn’t bring it up, you’ve gotta have that trust. I feel we’ve been building that trust with each other every day.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Now considered a veteran of the league, what are the most significant things you learned in Utah that are helping you succeed and lead the team here in Charlotte?
Collin Sexton: I would say leadership. I would just say coming in and being a leader each and every day and coming in to control what I can, but also making an impact on the younger guys as much as possible.I pride myself on being a true professional and I feel like that’s something I’ve always done in my career is being a true professional, something that most guys have learned from me over and over.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Who was your vet when you came into the league?
Collin Sexton: Kevin Love, George Hill and Tristan Thompson. Those guys were my vets and helped me out pretty much on little things, especially in a different role like making reads and just playing the right away.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Kevin Love is funny on social media!
Collin Sexton: Listen, he is hilarious! He definitely is, he definitely is. He’s one of those guys that you know when something happens in the news, you’ve gotta go right to his page and see what he puts up.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Since you’re a vet now, what young player in the league would you say would consider you their OG?
Collin Sexton: I would say a lot of guys, honestly, especially everyone from Utah, some of the younger guys here. I’m just trying to come in and be that leader, but also even some guys from other teams. So I think it’s hard to just name one, but I feel like I definitely have an impact around the league.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You spent a significant amount of time in Utah. Have you watched them on League Pass?
Collin SextonL Oh yeah, I definitely watch those of my guys, especially Coach Will Hardy. I love Coach Will. He’s one of those coaches that I got to learn from and he got to learn from me, pretty well. But I definitely keep up with them, the guys, and certain guys that I played with around the league.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You played for the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to your time with the Utah Jazz. Did you see that they brought those classic blue retro uniforms from the LeBron-era. Did you see them?
Collin Sexton: Those jerseys are cold. I like the jersey!
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What do you think of the Cavs’ makeup this season in the Eastern Conference?
Collin Sexton: They’re doing well. They’re definitely doing well and playing well. I think Donovan Mitchell is a really good fit for them. I was in the trade for Donovan, me and Larry Nance Jr., so I would say he’s definitely a pretty good fit and they have a Darius Garland back. I know he’s getting over an injury and he’s gonna come back and continue to play well. So definitely us, when we match up against them, I’m gonna be super excited. It’s just one of those things like, you always gotta make sure, especially in the East, we gotta make sure that we’re paying attention to those guys, especially on our side.
The conclusion of the interview solidified Collin Sexton’s theme of mentorship and professional legacy. He attributes the origin of his “true professional” philosophy to the guidance he received as a young player from former Cavaliers veterans Kevin Love, George Hill and Tristan Thompson, who shared valuable lessons on game reads and playing the right way. This connection remains vibrant, as Sexton even noted the continued humor of Kevin Love.
Now having passed the torch, Sexton is confident in his role as a mentor, believing he has had a wide-reaching impact as an “OG” for former teammates in Utah and the younger players in Charlotte, an influence rooted in his consistent hard work and professionalism.
His respect for past experiences extends to his former Utah Jazz Head Coach, Will Hardy, maintaining a close connection built on a reciprocal learning experience.
Finally, Sexton showed his broad interest in the league by praising the Cleveland Cavaliers’ retro uniforms and their successful current roster featuring Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, acknowledging them as a major competitor in the Eastern Conference.
Ultimately, from recalling his first encounter with Hornets legends to defining his backcourt trust with LaMelo Ball, Sexton’s arrival in Charlotte marks a profound professional evolution, injecting the vital lessons of leadership and professionalism into the Hornets’ future.
