transformed into a leader and big-time scorer for the Buffs.Jeffery scored 18 points in a loss to Oregon on Saturday night to push herself
over 1,000 for her career. She is only the 24th Buff to collect that many points in
a career.
“Coaches helped me evolve a little bit, I’m a scorer now,” Jeffery said. “It feels
good to get 1,000 points. It’s very humbling and it makes you hungry for more.”
Junior guard Chucky Jeffery shoots from the three-throw line during the Dec. 8 game against the University of Denver in the Coors Events Center. Jeffery is this week's CUI Athlete of the Week. (CU Independent/Lee Pruitt)
The junior guard from Colorado Spring’s Sierra High School has been a staple in the Buffaloes backcourt since her arrival on campus in 2009. In only her second game as a Buff, she recorded double figures in points with 11. As a freshman she averaged 9.3 points per contest, which was third on the team.
Coming into her sophomore year, both scoring and her newfound leadership role came naturally. She averaged 13.5 points per game, second to only Brittany Spears.
After two complete years in Boulder, Jeffery continued to be on the rise, just like the entire Buff team.
Jeffery said she knows her accomplishment is far from just an individual milestone.
“You just have to keep playing and keep working hard and come every day with a positive attitude and that will get you through most of the time,” Jeffery said. “[You have to] depend on your teammates and coaches. The more you reach out, the more comfortable you’ll be getting over that little hump.”
After the graduation of teammate Brittany Spears, Colorado’s all-time leading scorer, there was only one player that could fill her shoes. Jeffery is 7th in the Pac-12 in scoring, averaging 15.1 points per game.
But while Jeffery isn’t sneaking up on anyone, her team is. The Buffs came out of the gates fast this season and were off to one their best starts in program history. Colorado started 13-0, but they have fallen off slightly in the Pac-12 Conference.
Jeffery said she is still confident about her team’s future this season.
“We have the last 5 of our 7 games on our home floor and we couldn’t be in a better position than right now,” Jeffery said. “We have to come out aggressive, pushing the ball, playing defense and getting back to ourselves. Hopefully we get some wins out of that.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Andy McDonnell at Andrew.mcdonnell@colorado.edu.
