AP Photo/Rob Ferguson Former Oklahoma City player Nick Collison speaks in front of his family during a ceremony on Wednesday night.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — While sitting on the St. Edmond bench as a water boy nearly 30 years ago, Nick Collison would often find himself dreaming of someday playing in the NBA.

It’s the hope of most young basketball players, of course. And even though Collison’s game turned him into a legendary player in this area of Iowa as a high schooler, he could have never fathomed a night like Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

Collison’s hoop dreams began in Fort Dodge, where he lived for 11 years during the tenure of his father, Dave, as the Gael boys basketball coach. At the age of 13 the Collisons moved to Iowa Falls, when Dave took over the Cadet program.

Nick attended Corpus Christi during his elementary years and Sacred Heart for seventh grade. His illustrious basketball career started as a prep in Iowa Falls, and this week, ended in the Oklahoma City rafters. The 14-year professional basketball veteran became the first native Iowan to have his jersey retired in the NBA, and the first Thunder with his jersey raised to the ceiling at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Before his professional career even began, Collison was a two-time state champion at Iowa Falls in 1998 and ’99. He was named McDonald’s All-American after his banner senior year.

While playing for Roy Williams at Kansas University, Collison reached the Final Four twice and the championship round once, losing to Carmelo Anthony and Syracuse. Collison garnered All-American status.

”I always wanted to play in the NBA back when I was a kid, but thought the idea was a little far-fetched,” Collison said in an exclusive interview with The Messenger. “I was under the assumption that kids from bigger cities were the NBA stars. It’s been pretty amazing, going from Fort Dodge and Iowa Falls, to Kansas and the NBA.

“It’s been a fun journey for my family and me.”

This is the third time a Collison jersey has been placed in the rafters. Earlier this season, Collison’s No. 44 was honored in Iowa Falls. Kansas retired his No. 4 in 2003.

“It’s incredible (having No. 4 retired by Oklahoma City),” Collison said. “It’s not something that I would have expected. I think this is a special place, and for this to happen, given I wasn’t a ‘typical’ NBA player … it shows they appreciated what I did.

“This is beyond my wildest dreams. I’m very fortunate to have my career go the way it did, and have a home in the NBA like Oklahoma City.”

Collison’s NBA career began as part of a legendary 2003 draft, which included LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade as four of the first five selections. Collison was drafted 12th by Seattle.

His KU teammate, Kirk Hinrich, was the seventh pick.

The Iowa Falls graduate played in Seattle for the five seasons, before the franchise moved to Oklahoma City.

Collison’s final season came in 2018. His retirement was a decision he hasn’t regretted.

“I was lucky to be able to end on my own terms,” Collison said. “A lot of guys finish with an injury. I was really able to cherish those last couple of years. I miss being with all the guys, of course, but being 37 or 38 years old and trying to compete at the highest level…

“I’m at peace with it. I have down time for other things, and I get the chance to spend more time with family.”

Collison didn’t put up gaudy numbers in the NBA. He averaged 5.9 points and five rebounds over the course of his career. It was the way he carried himself — his commitment to his franchise, the coaches and the city — that set him apart.

“Obviously the players were so much bigger and better than me,” Collison said. “I had to find other ways to be active. In college I could be a scorer, but I knew in the NBA, I had to make some adjustments.”

The 6-foot-10 power forward made a lasting impression in OKC. The day his No. 4 jersey was retired, mayor David Holt proclaimed Wednesday, March 20, “Nick Collison Day.”

“Though never an All Star or an MVP, Nick Collison epitomized the selflessness, work ethic, loyalty, leadership and professionalism that characterizes the Thunder’s team culture,” Holt said in his proclamation.

His stature in the community and love of his teammates was felt by all, as many former teammates were in attendance to watch “Mr. Thunder” honored before tip of Oklahoma City’s game against Toronto.

Collison’s former teammate, Kevin Durant, even flew to Oklahoma City on an off night for Golden State.

“We had several down years in OKC, but we built it up and were able to get to the NBA Finals,” Collison said. “We had a steady progression and started competing for championships. To have that experience is pretty rare.

“Playing in the NBA Finals and in pressure games — those were my most memorable moments. There is a huge difference when you’re on a team that is winning and playing deep into the postseason. I was fortunate to be on those teams that played in a ton of playoff games.”

Former players weren’t the only ones in attendance for the honor, as a number of Collison’s family and friends made the trip for the historic night.

During his speech, Collison’s humility took center stage. He thanked everyone from the trainers, fans, and the organization, as well as his teammates, giving special recognition to Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook from being there with him through the years.

He finished by bringing his family into the spotlight.

“I want to thank my brother Michael and his wife Kristen (Twait) Collison (daughter of former Iowa Central football coach Kevin Twait). And my sister Katie (Heither),” Collison said during the dedication. “I want to thank Jessica, my beautiful girlfriend. She is the smartest and strongest person I know. Thanks for being in my life. To my beautiful daughter, Emma, who just turned 13 — I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to see the person you (become) … I’m happy to be able to spend more time with you.

“To my parents (Dave and Judy) — I can’t really put into words what they’ve meant to me. Any qualities that I have that are good come from them.”

Collison isn’t sure what the future holds for him, but family time will take precedence from here on out.

“I’m decompressing a little bit,” Collison said. “I want to be there for my daughter and watch her grow up.”