Last Updated on October 5, 2026 by Candida Lucia
John Collins has built a successful career in the NBA, but the basketball star’s background is closely connected to a military family that shaped much of his childhood. Born John Martin Collins III on September 23, 1997, in Layton, Utah, Collins grew up moving between different places because of his parents’ service in the United States military.
The Detroit Pistons forward-center has spoken particularly warmly about his mother and the sacrifices she made while raising him. While Collins is a recognizable figure on the basketball court, he has generally kept his romantic life and many details about his extended family away from the spotlight. Here is what is publicly known about John Collins’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Who Is John Collins’s Girlfriend?
John Collins has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or wife. Although NBA players frequently attract speculation about their relationships, there is currently no reliable public information establishing that Collins is married or in a publicly acknowledged relationship.
Collins has generally used his public appearances and social-media presence to focus on basketball, his career and other interests rather than discussing his dating life. Because of that privacy, claims about a supposed John Collins girlfriend should be treated cautiously unless Collins himself or another reliable source confirms the relationship.
As of now, John Collins does not have a publicly confirmed girlfriend or wife.
Does John Collins Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that John Collins has children. He has not announced becoming a father, and official biographies or reputable interviews about his personal life do not identify any sons or daughters.
Collins has spoken extensively about the impact his own upbringing had on him, particularly the discipline and adaptability he developed while growing up in a military family. However, he has kept his current private life relatively separate from his NBA career.
As of now, John Collins has no publicly known children.
Who Are John Collins’s Parents?
John Collins was born to Lyria Rissing-Collins and John Collins Jr. Both of his parents served in the United States military, giving Collins a childhood that was very different from that of many future NBA players.
John Collins’s Father: John Collins Jr.
John Collins’s father is John Collins Jr., who served in the United States Navy. Collins’s parents separated when he was very young, but his father remained an important part of the military background that influenced his early years.
Because both parents were serving in different branches of the military, the family spent periods living in different locations. Collins lived in places including Guam during his childhood, experiencing different cultures and environments long before becoming a professional basketball player.
His father has maintained a considerably lower public profile than his NBA-star son, and relatively little information about his personal life has been made public.
John Collins’s Mother: Lyria Rissing-Collins
John Collins’s mother, Lyria Rissing-Collins, is one of the most influential people in his life. She served for more than two decades in the United States Air Force before retiring.
Collins has described his mother as the person responsible for much of the discipline and structure he developed growing up. Her Air Force career meant that the family frequently relocated. At different stages of his childhood, Collins lived in Utah, Guam, Turkey, Washington state and Florida, while also spending time with relatives in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In interviews, Collins has credited his mother with supporting his basketball ambitions and making sacrifices to help him develop as a player. After the family eventually moved to Florida, she helped him pursue competitive basketball opportunities that played an important role in his path to Wake Forest and eventually the NBA.
Collins has repeatedly expressed gratitude toward his mother, describing her influence as central to the person and basketball player he became.
Does John Collins Have Siblings?
John Collins has one younger sibling named Jayden. Official biographies published during his college and early NBA career identify Jayden as his younger sibling.
Unlike John, Jayden has remained largely outside the public spotlight. Reliable public sources provide very little information about Jayden’s personal life, career or relationship with the media.
Some websites have published conflicting information about John Collins’s siblings, but official Wake Forest and Atlanta Hawks biographical material consistently states that Collins has one younger sibling, Jayden. There is also no reliable basis for claims that he is related to former NBA twins Jason and Jarron Collins; those are different basketball families.
How John Collins’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
John Collins’s family background played an important role in developing the qualities that eventually helped him reach the NBA. Growing up in a military environment exposed him to structure, discipline and frequent change from a young age.
Moving between military bases and different countries required Collins to repeatedly adapt to new schools, communities and social environments. He has said those experiences helped him become more comfortable meeting new people and adjusting to unfamiliar situations.
Basketball eventually became one of the constants in his childhood. His mother encouraged him to play, and after settling in Florida, Collins developed into one of the state’s standout high-school players before joining Wake Forest. His performances there led to the Atlanta Hawks selecting him with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Collins’s Family
Who is John Collins’s girlfriend?
John Collins does not currently have a publicly confirmed girlfriend or wife. He keeps details about his romantic life private.
Is John Collins married?
There is no reliable public information confirming that John Collins is married.
Does John Collins have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for John Collins.
Who are John Collins’s parents?
John Collins’s parents are Lyria Rissing-Collins and John Collins Jr. His mother served in the U.S. Air Force, while his father served in the U.S. Navy.
Who is John Collins’s mother?
His mother is Lyria Rissing-Collins, a retired U.S. Air Force member who served for more than two decades and played a major role in supporting Collins throughout his childhood and basketball development.
Who is John Collins’s father?
His father is John Collins Jr., who served in the United States Navy.
Does John Collins have brothers or sisters?
John Collins has one younger sibling named Jayden. Publicly available official biographies do not provide many additional details about Jayden.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
