The Colorado men’s basketball program is on the cusp of making history with less than six weeks left until the NBA draft plunges into action. The spotlight is firmly on three Buffaloes who’ve taken the stage at the NBA draft combine in Chicago, with each harboring ambitions of having their name echoed across the NBA landscape come the draft kick-off on June 26.
Cody Williams, Tristan da Silva, and KJ Simpson have all been displaying their prowess to the keen eyes of NBA scouts and executives this week. Williams, notable for his 11.9 point average despite a freshman year marred by injuries limiting him to just 24 games, is being pegged as a likely top-12 selection in numerous mock drafts. Da Silva, on the other hand, has impressed sufficiently to be considered a mid-first round pick by several analysts.
Simpson, riding high from one of the most distinguished individual campaigns in the history of Colorado’s program, is seen as a solid second-round pick in a plethora of mock drafts. His scoring knack and ingenuity, however, are juxtaposed with concerns over his 6-foot-2 frame, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by NBA teams evaluating talent.
Should all three athletes be drafted, it would mark a monumental first for the Buffaloes in the modern era of the NBA draft. Historically, CU has seen multiple drafts in 1955, 1968, and notably in 1981, but none of these instances would parallel the significance of this year’s potential achievement due to the contemporary two-round, 60-player format.
Under the watch of head coach Tad Boyle, who has been at the helm for 14 seasons, CU has had seven players drafted, showcasing the program’s ability to develop NBA-caliber talent. Notably among them are Alec Burks and Andre Roberson, reflecting the high calibre of players Boyle has nurtured during his tenure.
Former Buffalo Derrick White is currently igniting the NBA playoffs with stellar performances for Boston, averaging 18.2 points across nine postseason games. His contributions have been pivotal as they gear up for the Eastern Conference finals. Alec Burks, another CU alumni, despite a quieter playoff start with the New York Knicks, erupted in the second round, highlighting the enduring impact of CU-trained players in the NBA.
Off the court, CU’s assistant/director of player development, Zach Ruebesam, is set to lead the Team Colorado alumni team in the upcoming $1 million The Basketball Tournament this summer, a testament to the program’s comprehensive commitment to basketball excellence.
In related news, former CU wing Quincy Allen is making moves of his own, having recently committed to Chicago State after a stint at James Madison, showcasing the ongoing journeys of Buffaloes past and present in the basketball landscape.