Where is cj mccollum from

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: CJ McCollum is from Canton, Ohio, where he was born on September 19, 1991. He grew up in Canton and attended GlenOak High School before playing college basketball at Lehigh University, where he became a standout player and was drafted 10th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Key Facts

Born in Canton, Ohio on September 19, 1991
Attended GlenOak High School in Canton
Played college basketball at Lehigh University from 2009-2013
Drafted 10th overall by Portland Trail Blazers in 2013 NBA Draft
Named NBA Most Improved Player in 2016

Overview

CJ McCollum's journey from Canton, Ohio to NBA stardom represents a compelling story of determination and skill development. Born on September 19, 1991, McCollum grew up in a city with rich basketball tradition, though he wasn't initially considered a top national prospect. His path to professional basketball took him through the Ohio high school system and a mid-major college program where he would eventually become one of the most accomplished players in NCAA history.

Canton, Ohio has produced several notable athletes across different sports, but McCollum's success has brought particular attention to the city's basketball development. The industrial city in Stark County has a population of approximately 70,000 people and sits about 60 miles south of Cleveland. McCollum's basketball development occurred during a period when Canton was transitioning from its industrial past, with sports becoming an increasingly important part of the community's identity.

How It Works

CJ McCollum's development from Canton to the NBA involved several key stages and decisions that shaped his career trajectory.

High School Development: McCollum attended GlenOak High School in Canton, where he played for four years but wasn't heavily recruited by major college programs. Despite this, he averaged 29.3 points per game as a senior in 2009, demonstrating his scoring ability against Ohio competition. His high school career prepared him for the next level through rigorous competition in one of Ohio's stronger athletic conferences.
College Selection: McCollum chose Lehigh University, a Patriot League school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he could play immediately rather than sitting on the bench at a larger program. This decision proved crucial as he started all 31 games as a freshman, averaging 19.1 points per game. His college career spanned from 2009 to 2013, with a medical redshirt year in 2011-2012 due to a foot injury.
NBA Draft Process: After an outstanding senior season where he averaged 23.9 points per game, McCollum entered the 2013 NBA Draft. He was selected 10th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming the highest-drafted player in Lehigh University history. The draft selection validated his development path and demonstrated that players from smaller programs could succeed at the highest level.
Professional Development: McCollum's NBA career began with limited playing time as he adjusted to the professional game, but he earned the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2016 after increasing his scoring average from 6.8 to 20.8 points per game. His development into an elite scorer has made him one of the most consistent shooting guards in the league, with career averages of 19.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game through the 2022-2023 season.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Canton, Ohio Background	Typical NBA Star Background
High School Recruiting	Not heavily recruited (2-star prospect)	Highly recruited (4-5 star prospects)
College Program	Mid-major (Lehigh University, Patriot League)	Power conference (ACC, Big Ten, SEC, etc.)
Draft Position	10th overall (2013 NBA Draft)	Often top 5 picks from major programs
NBA Development Timeline	3 seasons to become starter (2013-2016)	Often immediate impact as rookie
Career Scoring Average	19.6 points per game through 2022-23	Varies widely based on role and talent

Why It Matters

Inspiration for Underrecruited Players: McCollum's journey demonstrates that players from smaller cities and less prominent programs can reach the NBA's highest levels. His success has inspired countless young athletes who may not receive attention from major college programs, showing that development and determination can overcome initial recruiting rankings. His story proves that the path to professional basketball isn't limited to traditional powerhouses.
Economic Impact on Canton: McCollum's success has brought positive attention and economic benefits to his hometown. His visibility has increased interest in Canton's basketball programs and facilities, with local youth looking to him as a role model. The city has seen increased participation in basketball programs, and McCollum frequently gives back through community initiatives and basketball camps in the area.
Changing NBA Scouting Patterns: McCollum's success has influenced how NBA teams evaluate talent from smaller programs. His development from a mid-major college to an NBA star has encouraged scouts to look more carefully at players outside traditional power conferences. This shift has created more opportunities for talented players at all levels of college basketball.

Looking forward, CJ McCollum's legacy extends beyond his statistical achievements to represent the potential for athletes from any background to succeed through hard work and proper development. His continued success with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he was traded in 2022, maintains his connection to his Canton roots while demonstrating the lasting impact of his Ohio upbringing. As basketball continues to globalize, stories like McCollum's remind us that talent can emerge from anywhere, and proper development systems can help that talent reach its full potential regardless of initial circumstances or geographic limitations.