Isaiah Johnson is making waves at Colorado, already crafting one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in Buffaloes history. But the burning question is: will he stay?
The Buffs' season wrapped up with a tough first-round exit against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 tournament. Yet, the future looks intriguing, largely hinging on Johnson's decision. He's the standout freshman who shattered Alec Burks’ record with 540 points, topping the charts for CU freshmen and placing 20th overall in the program's history.
After the Oklahoma State game, Johnson shared, “I’m going to take some time off this offseason to reflect. I’ll talk with my friends and family about what’s next.”
Reflecting on his journey, Johnson said, “I’m proud of handling the ups and downs. I stayed consistent in games and practices, and that’s something I’m proud of.”
His stats speak volumes: a .486 shooting percentage, .378 from beyond the arc, and a solid .821 at the free throw line. Even in the competitive Big 12, he maintained strong numbers, shooting .464 overall. Johnson averaged 16.9 points, ranking fifth under head coach Tad Boyle, trailing only a few CU legends.
Boyle himself is full of praise, noting, “The sky’s the limit for Isaiah. He’s a warrior and a great teammate. He’s surpassed some of CU’s greats like Chauncey Billups and Alec Burks in freshman scoring.”
With year-end player interviews on the horizon, Boyle will soon gauge who’s staying and who’s exploring other opportunities. Johnson’s consistency, from his 24-point debut to his 28-point finale against Arizona, makes him a hot prospect if he considers the transfer portal. However, retaining Johnson is crucial for the Buffs to advance in the Big 12.
CU guard Barrington Hargress added, “With the talent and returners we have, we aim to be one of the Big 12’s top teams. We’re building towards that.”