The 2023-2024 Colorado Buffaloes Men’s Basketball team has hit a rough patch in their season. As losers in four of their past five games, head coach Tad Boyle hopes freshman phenom Cody Williams can help turn the season around.
Forward Cody Williams was the top recruit in the 2023 class. He is Colorado’s first five-star recruit since David Harrison in 2001. Prior to arriving in Boulder, Williams was a star player at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. As a senior, he helped lead his team to the Arizona state championship while averaging 18.0 points per game. In addition to his success at Perry High School, Williams competed in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League between his junior and senior year. He looks to build on his success while at Colorado.
Prior to the start of the season, Cody Williams earned an honorable mention for the Preseason Media All- Pac-12 Team. In the Buffs’ season opener against Towson, Williams played 28 minutes while scoring four points and securing four rebounds. While his stats paled in comparison to the rest of the Buffs’ starters, his height and athleticism proved to be valuable assets. As the season progresses, he has a chance to be a difference-maker for CU.
Cody Williams hails from a basketball background. His older brother Jalen plays in the NBA for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Similar to his brother, Williams has an opportunity to be a high draft selection this coming June. Experts are projecting him to be a top pick and potentially the first overall selection. Despite a slower motion to his jump shot, his length and high release point will help him succeed at the next level. His length could prove to be his most valuable asset moving forward. He will be able to create his own shots and be a reliable off-ball weapon.
As March Madness season approaches, Cody Williams and the Buffs have work to do. Boyle’s team currently find themselves fifth in the Pac-12 with six games to play. If Williams can continue to find production, the Buffs will be playing meaningful basketball in March. As for Cody Williams’ draft stock, he has a chance to shoot up draft boards and make his case for being a top draft pick in 2024.
Cody Williams is a generational talent. He has the skills and a high basketball IQ that make him an intriguing prospect. If he is able to develop the rest of his game, he will soon be making headlines in the NBA.
