Colorado's sharpshooters might be in a bit of a slump, but Barrington Hargress is firing on all cylinders. His play-making prowess has transformed the CU men's basketball team from turnover-prone to a top-five contender in the Big 12's assist-to-turnover rankings. As they gear up to face Oklahoma State, Hargress remains a standout.
Last season, Hargress dominated the Big West Conference in scoring at UC Riverside, primarily through mid-range shots and drives. But his three-point game has taken a leap forward at Colorado, where he's leading the team with a .500 shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Hargress attributes his success to relentless practice and smart shot selection. "The work I put in mirrors my game performance," he said. "My teammates set me up with quality shots, and by focusing on taking the best ones, my shooting percentage reflects that."
While freshman Isaiah Johnson navigates a shooting slump, Hargress has been the Buffs' rock from long range. His past numbers at UC Riverside-.329 and .323 from three-point land-have been left behind as he maintains a steady hand this season.
Hargress has shown a knack for picking his moments, reducing his shot attempts from 16.7 per game last year to 10 this season, showcasing maturity and efficiency. CU head coach Tad Boyle praises Hargress for his mental and physical toughness, highlighting his commitment to improvement and smart shot selection.
Despite a tough overtime loss at BYU, where Hargress hit 4-for-6 from deep, his season percentage climbed to an impressive 50% (40-for-80). The rest of the team has struggled, shooting just 5-for-26 from three in that game, contributing to a .266 mark over the last three matchups. However, Oklahoma State's defense might offer some reprieve, ranking near the bottom in the Big 12 for defending the three.
Hargress embraces his evolved role, focusing on efficiency rather than carrying the offensive load. "Having great teammates allows me to be more selective and effective," he said. His adaptability and consistency are proving invaluable as the Buffs navigate the season.