The Colorado Buffaloes walked right into Eugene and stunned the Oregon Ducks on Tuesday night as part of a twice-postponed game. Tad Boyle’s team came back from down 15 and walked away with an 82-78 victory.
In what was easily the Buffs’ biggest win of the season, Jabari Walker was one player that stood out.
The Buffs’ talented sophomore led all scorers with 24 points and 11 rebounds on 9-of-11 from the field.
After the game, Walker earned some serious NBA Draft buzz in what has been a terrific season for him. The sophomore got hit with a massive compliment from Fox Sports Radio’s Bryan Fenley, who predicted the Buffs’ star will be a first round NBA Draft pick.
#Colorado's Jabari Walker @jabari521 will be a 1st Round NBA Draft pick.
He might smartly ride with an underdog mentality. But this guy has everything an NBA team could ever ask for. He's blooming into a super star.
— Bryan Fenley (@BryanFenley) January 26, 2022
It was only a matter of time before Walker started to get national recognition. In his first year with the Buffs, he averaged just 7.6 points in 14.1 minutes per game across 26 contests.
However, 2021-2022 has been much different. Walker leads the Buffs with 13.9 points per game and 8.5 rebounds, he also had nine double-doubles on the season, including four in his last 10 games.
Walker is drastically improving his game and at this rate, there is a shot he enters the NBA Draft — especially if he continues to get first round hype.
24 PTS, 11 REB for Jabari Walker last night (9-11 FG). He was super efficient, athletic and scored in a multitude of ways
Still a tough eval for us, but he's producing as a finisher. Great road win for Colorado last night pic.twitter.com/JeomPRKMWI
— The Box and One (@TheBoxAndOne_) January 26, 2022
Walker potentially leaving would be a massive blow for the Buffs, although they can’t focus on that just yet. With a huge victory over the Ducks, Colorado helped its chances of making the NCAA Tournament, and Walker is a big reason for the Buffs’ success this year.
If the Buffs continue to win, Walker should get more and more draft attention, and it will be worth monitoring his decision once the season comes to a close.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
[vertical-gallery id=3538]