The Buffs 4 Life NIL Collective held an autograph signing with the men’s basketball team as the team hosted their boy’s basketball camp on Wednesday. Many familiar faces were in attendance, as well as some new ones.
Eddie Lampkin, Assane Diop and Courtney Anderson were in attendance but most notably, incoming five-star freshman Cody Williams was also hanging out with the kids for day one of camp. This was Williams’ first public appearance with the team in Boulder since committing back in November. DNVR Buffs had the exclusive opportunity to speak with Williams after the signing.
The Gilbert, AZ native has had plenty of time to refine his game since his commitment. The top-five prospect competed in both the McDonald’s All-American game and Nike Hoop Summit earlier this Spring, as well as leading his high school team to a second straight state title.
“It’s been go, go, go, non-stop,” said Williams. “I was [in Boulder] the week I graduated high school so it’s right back to the grind. Not a ton of breaks but it’s a nice problem to have.”
The freshman has already bonded quickly with many of his teammates in his short time here in Colorado.
“It feels like I’ve known them forever,” said Williams. “We just meshed really quickly. It’s been really easy just getting to know Eddie and the rest of the team.”
A lot of the bonding has been spent in the gym, practicing together to build chemistry on and off the court.
“Whenever we have free time to do some open runs play five,” said Williams. “We’re trying to get in shape.”
Getting into the gym and building muscle is a big focus for Williams this summer for his freshman season at CU.
“My biggest thing is getting my weight up and getting stronger because now I’m playing against grown men at this point,” said Williams. “So I just want to put on some extra pounds.”
This next season is pivotal for the forward phenom. There will be plenty of NBA scouts watching every Buffs game next season, and Williams is looking to prove he can compete and hold his own in the big, strong Pac-12. A huge reason why he chose Colorado was because of the potential he saw for development – both in his game and his body.
“The strength program is really good and that was the cherry on top,” said Williams. “I really liked how the coaches are genuine and I connected really well with the team.”
While Boulder is prepared for the takeover of Cody Williams, the five-star won’t be the only freshman taking over the Pac-12 next season. USC incoming freshmen Bronny James and Isaiah Collier will be a must-watch matchup when they go up against Williams and Colorado next winter.
“When you get to the division one level, every player you play against was the best player on their high school team,” said Williams. “I have a lot of work to do before I’m prepared to go against that next level but I don’t really feel any pressure because I’ve been playing against good players like my whole life.”
Not feeling the pressure is commendable for the meteoric rise Williams has experienced in the past year. He currently sits as the fourth-best prospect in the class of 2023 per 247Sports, and the best player in the class per On3 Sports.
While much of his rise can be attributed to the freshman phenom’s immense athletic ability, a good deal of it can be credited to the brotherly competition he shares with his older brother, and Oklahoma City Thunder lottery pick, Jalen Williams.
“Growing up, I felt like if I can compete with him, I can compete against anybody,” said Williams. “I remember playing against him growing up, I was holding my own. Now he’s a lottery pick, so he’s definitely a big motivator for me.”
Even with the leaps and bounds Cody’s game has taken in the past year, he still thinks his older brother would get the best of him in a one-on-one.
“He’s 21, he’s full grown, he’s gonna win,” said Williams. “It’ll be a good game, but I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. He would [win].”
Cody’s mind isn’t set on beating his brother though. He is fully locked in on bringing a Pac-12 title and NCAA tournament berth back to Boulder.
“We’re trying to get back into the tournament and win the Pac-12,” said Williams. “I think we could definitely do it. We just have to work hard and stay consistent.”
Now is the perfect time to buy stock in Cody Williams. Before you know it he’ll be walking across the stage to shake Adam Silver’s hand at the NBA Draft.
