DENVER – Cody Williams, a five-star recruit who played at Colorado his freshman season, announced in Monday on social media that he is entering the NBA draft.
The 19-year-old forward from Arizona averaged 11.9 points and three rebounds in helping the Buffaloes earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Williams shot 55.2% from the field on the season and blocked 16 shots while making the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.
Williams, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 190 pounds, is considered a lottery pick because of his athleticism. Some preliminary projections place him in the top five. His brother, Jalen, was the 12th overall pick out of Santa Clara by Oklahoma City in 2022. Jalen Williams helped the Thunder to first place in the West this season.
“I want to thank my brother Jalen for encouraging, encouraging and challenging me to be the best version of myself,” Williams said in his Instagram post. “Your inspiration means more than you will ever know.”
One of Williams’ best games in a Colorado uniform was a 23-point performance against Oregon on January 18. He missed 13 games while dealing with various injuries throughout the season, including an ankle ailment that kept him out the last four games. of the regular season before returning for the postseason.
Williams had 12 points in a season-ending loss to Marquette during an NCAA second-round game.
A 2023 McDonald’s All-American, Williams chose the Buffaloes over programs like Texas, Arizona, USC and LSU. He became the first five-star male recruit to choose Colorado since center David Harrison, who was a 2001 McDonald’s All-American.
