Big things expected for Jabari Walker in sophomore season
The expectations are deservedly through the roof for Jabari Walker, who could probably jump through the CU Events Center roof if he wanted to.
Mostly due to the depth Colorado enjoyed last season, Walker wasn’t needed as much as he will be in 2021-22. He made the most of his rookie season minutes, however, and was named to the All-Pac-12 Freshman Team averaging 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds.
The Buffaloes experienced a mass exodus of senior talent but have been recovering nicely with the likes of Walker now thrust into a leadership position.
“Last year I barely even played and now there’s not that much time for that,” Walker said. “Evan (Battey) will pull me to the side and he’s like ‘We need you to play a different role than what most sophomores do.”
Fortunately, Walker isn’t like most sophomores.
According to my unofficial count, he recorded 27 points in a 40-minute intrasquad scrimmage on Oct. 16. Yes, defense may not be as strong in an intrasquad scrimmage, but Walker was doing whatever he wanted in the paint while draining a pair of three-pointers.
“Jabari’s an aggressive player and he’s a guy who can score the ball and I think naturally he’s a scorer,” Tad Boyle said after the scrimmage. “I thought he made a great pass there at the end to Tristin (da Silva) in zone offense. When Jabari’s aggressive, under control (and) not turning the ball over, he’s going to be an effective scorer.”
Jan 11, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes forward Jabari Walker (12) blocks a shot by Utah Utes forward Riley Battin (21) in the second half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Tthe son of former Los Angeles Laker Samaki Walker has remained focused on improving his already strong game this preseason. Pulling in more rebounds has been a major goal for this 6-foot-9 forward.
“I’m kind of disappointed in myself right now because I haven’t been rebounding like I really want to,” Walker said. “The focus going forward for me is going back to the offensive rebounding that I’ve been doing and the defensive rebounding. That’s the main emphasis right now. Forget the scoring, forget everything else, let me work my way from the basics up and then the scoring comes.”
Walker and the Buffs will welcome the Colorado School of Mines on Oct. 27 for a season-opening exhibition game.
