During the days when he was putting together this Cowboy roster, Will Wade talked a lot about guys who could turn the program around.

He raved over Shahada Wells, C.J. Felder, and DJ Richards, but flying under the radar was a 6-foot-9, 245-pound center who played last season in Bakersfield, Calif.

Antavion Collum has been more than a role player for McNeese State this season. He is one of four Cowboys averaging in double digits at 10.6 a game.

But it is Collum’s willingness to take and hit the big shots that have made him so valuable to the 13-2 Cowboys.

“Antavion is willing to step up in the big moments,” said Wade. “It’s a huge weapon to have a big guy who can step out on the floor and make shots. It opens up a lot on offense.”

Collum has not been shy when it comes to taking those big shots. He did it last Saturday to help put down Texas A&M-Commerce.

“That was a huge shot for us,” said Wade. “He isn’t afraid of taking those shots.”

Collum is shooting 46 percent from the field and has made 20 of 46 (43.5%). He has been hot of late, scoring in double figures in each of the last four games, and has three 20-point outings already this season.

“I had this in previous spots but I didn’t have a chance to use it,” Collum said. “I know I can hit shots.”

Collum began his career at Ole Miss before playing the last two seasons at Cal-Bakersfield, where his game improved. He averaged 13 points and 5.1 rebounds a game last year.

The former 4-star recruit moved to McNeese as a graduate transfer over the summer. He did that to play his final college season under Wade.

“Coach and I connected,” said Collum. “I could tell through the phone he was genuine. When I got here it was even more so.”

Now Collum is enjoying playing with other guys who can on any given night score and take the pressure off him.

“I was the go-to guy before,” said Collum. “This is less stressful because anyone can have a big game, it doesn’t have to be one guy.”

Collum has been more than a scorer for the Pokes. He is the anchor to their defense that’s currently sixth in the nation in points allowed.

He has also been consistent, starting all 15 games this year and averaging just over 25 minutes. Collum has led the Cowboys in scoring twice and rebounds four times.

“He has been really good for us,” said Wade. “He always finds a way to help us out. He doesn’t have to score to make an impact.”

Collum may not be the center of attention for Cowboy opponents, but he no longer can fly under the radar.