Don't Forget the Name: Andre Roberson, Colorado
The most news the Buffaloes made on college basketball front in the past few years has been their football-related move to the Pac-12. There really has not been that much success on the court to highlight anything different. Last season marked the first time that Colorado finished above 20-wins and made the postseason in four years and the previous season concluded with a combined 43-78 mark. But coach Tad Boyle could be building a potential powerhouse out in Boulder, first starring Alec Burks, the 12th overall pick in 2011, and now starring sophomore Andre Roberson.
You're forgiven if you haven't heard too much about the 6'7" Roberson yet, he's just making a name for himself. He finished fifth on last year's team in scoring at 6.7 points per game, nothing to get too excited over. But the shooting guard/small forward averaged a team best 7.8 rebounds in just 22 minutes a game. He was just as prolific hitting the offensive glass as he was attacking the defensive boards- ranking in the Top 25 in the country in both areas. Roberson is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end- also leading the Buffs in blocks and rebounds per game.
As an NBA prospect, Roberson has an excellent, wiry frame with room to build. He's an explosive athlete, playing with a great motor that helped him average incredible rebounding rates in his freshman season. He brings enough to the table with his athleticism to get NBA scouts excited by his potential as they expect him to fill in nicely for the departed Colorado players as a starting wing. Offensively, Roberson is not yet a great shooter, especially pulling-up off the bounce, but he moves so well without the ball, cutting the basket, flying down the court in transition and finishing nearly everything in the paint. He converted 64 percent of his attempts inside the arc and if he can improve as a shooter (34 percent from 3-point range, 55 percent from the foul line), Roberson will start to shed some light on his untapped upside.
By President Corey Ruff - 10 - 6 - 11
