Colorado University Athletics
Schwartz Eager To Contribute To Buffs' Next Chapter
June 29, 2017 | Men's Basketball
D'Shawn Schwartz Is A Consensus Top-100 Prospect Out Of Colorado Springs
BOULDER - Throughout the recruiting process, the Colorado Buffaloes never wavered on D'Shawn Schwartz.
No matter what kind of game the Sand Creek star produced, no matter what numbers he put on the board — big or small — the Buffs were always all-in on the consensus top player in the state of Colorado.
That unwavering support proved to be a major factor in Schwartz's decision to stay in state and play for Tad Boyle's Buffs.
"I love this coaching staff — that was mainly what did it for me," Schwartz said recently. "A lot of schools, if I had a bad game, they would fall off. But this coaching staff was here for me the whole time. They always let me know they wanted me to be here."
To be honest, there haven't been many "bad" games for Schwartz. A consensus top-100 player in the nation, Schwartz had his pick of schools. But in the end, Boulder was where he wanted to be — and he's now ready to help the program begin writing a new chapter in the Boyle Era.
"Coach Boyle said this is going to be a reset year for us," Schwartz said. "We can start over and build a new identity for ourselves."
It's not that the first seven years under Boyle have been a stretch the Buffs want to forget. Rather, a period that produced seven postseason berths, including four NCAA Tournament appearances, is perhaps the most successful period overall in CU basketball history.
But with five freshmen in the incoming class, one that is being touted as one of the best in CU history, the opportunity to take the program to the next level is no doubt at hand.
Schwartz can't wait to be a part of that climb.
"I think it's going to be good because there's a perfect balance between veterans and young guys," Schwartz said. "We get to learn under them as well as play with them. I think you could start any five players at one time and have a good team."
A 6-foot-7, 220-pounder with good length, Schwartz can shoot, rebound and pass the ball. He is no doubt one of the players Boyle has in mind when he say he expects several of his freshmen to step in and make immediate, significant contributions. Schwartz and three of his classmates — Tyler Bey, McKinley Wright IV and Evan Battey — are already on campus, practicing and conditioning in preparation for CU's August trip to Italy, and Boyle clearly liked what he saw in their first full-fledged practice.
"Playing with USA Basketball, being the player of the year in Colorado, he's mature beyond his years," Boyle said. "He's got a good feel, good pace, doesn't get sped up, makes shots, physically is strong."
All those attributes are what could lead to Schwartz seeing plenty of playing time his freshman season — which, of course, would be fine with him.
Schwartz has been called "ultra skilled" by recruiting services, with heavy emphasis on his ability to lead the break, shoot and pass. He finished his senior year at Sand Creek averaging more than 25 points per game.
"I think you're going to see somebody who puts his skill set to work," Schwartz said when asked what Buffs fans could expect. "A lot of hours in the gym are going to show. A lot of footwork, a lot of pump fakes and craftiness. One thing they'll definitely see is someone who loves to be out there."
Schwartz's skill set means he could fit into CU's lineup in a variety of places, from wing to point guard.
"I don't even know what position I'm going to be playing yet," Schwartz said with a smile "We have so many pieces — if I come on the floor at any given time, I could play a different position. Namon (Wright, one of his new teammates) was even talking the other day about me playing point. I'll play wherever they need me."
But in the end, Schwartz will likely end up where he's most suited — on the wing, shooting and passing.
"I'm definitely a wing player at heart," he said. "I'm capable of playing the point, but Coach (Mike) Rohn said I'm wired to get buckets. I'll no doubt play where I'm needed, but I do think I'm a scorer."
The Buffs couldn't have picked a better time to welcome five freshmen into the fold. Colorado's trip to Italy in August has meant 10 extra practices as well as four games. All will be integral in helping accelerate the process of blending the newcomers into the program.
"These 10 practices are invaluable, especially for this team and where we're at," Boyle said.
For Schwartz, the summer workouts are a chance to get acquainted with his new teammates, as well as accelerate the process via the trip to Italy.
"I think everybody's super excited to get going," Schwartz said. "I love all the older guys' games and I can't wait to play with them. I really think we can find some chemistry and take some big steps this year."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
