Josh Scott has been a force for the Colorado basketball team.
At 6-foot-10, the freshman forward has made an immediate impact on a team that has been ranked as high as No. 19 this year.
Josh Scott fights to put up a shot against CSU’s Colton Iverson during the game on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 at the Coors Events Center. (Kai Casey/CU Independent file)
Scott was a four star recruit coming out of Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument. He was ranked in the top 50 on several recruiting websites coming out of high school last year. Scott led the Rangers to a 4A state title last year and was named Mr. Colorado Basketball.
His transition to the college game hasn’t been seamless, but it has gone very well.“You just want to go out there and compete to the best of your ability, and that is what I am trying to do.” Scott said.
He has become an integral part of the team in his short time with the Buffs.
“Hey coach Scott,” head coach Tad Boyle says jokingly as he walks by.
Scott started right away for the Buffaloes and is averaging 12.8 points per game, third best on the team.
“It is different for sure [in college play],” Scott said. “People are a lot stronger and faster, but I’m adjusting and it’s getting better every day.”
Scott is the son of two Air Force Academy grads. According to his bio on CUBuffs.com, he chose CU because of the coaching staff and the uprising of the program.
“I didn’t really know what to expect,” Scott said. “I don’t think any freshman does.”
He is averaging only 5.4 rebounds per game, which could be better considering his size.
“The game moves so much faster,” Scott said. “In high school you have players that aren’t really good, and [in college] everybody is good and everybody can make a shot.”
During the Buffs’ win over CSU, Scott didn’t do a whole lot on the offensive side but showed his skill defensively and played beyond his years.
“He grew up tonight as a post defender,” Boyle said in the CU-CSU post-game press conference.
Scott held the Rams’ 6-foot-10 senior Colton Iverson to just four points in the first half.
“Josh made him work for everything,” Boyle said.
Scott fed off the crowd that game and said the fan section helps the team play with energy.
“It was ridiculous and crazy. Our fans do it up right,” Scott said. “It gets you going.”
The CSU game was a big win for the Buffs, but there have been disappointments along the way too. Last Saturday, the Buffs were blown out by the No. 9 University of Kansas. Scott, however, had 19 points and four rebounds in that game, one of his best statistically.
“It was a learning thing for us,” Scott said. “It was one of those things you wish it wouldn’t have happened, but we are still a young team.”
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Scott Annis at Robert.annis@colorado.edu.
