McKinley Wright IV sets a high bar for Keeshawn Barthelemy

BOULDER — McKinley Wright IV began his virtual press conference, which followed his decision to return to Colorado for his senior season, with a 25-second opening statement.

He began by saying he was excited and that the Buffs had unfinished business. He said the team has a lot of key guys coming back. And then he dropped a name, the only name he brought up unprompted during his opening statement.

It wasn’t the name of skilled veteran big man Evan Battey. It wasn’t the name of his other returning classmate, D’Shawn Schwartz. In fact, it wasn’t even the name of a player who saw the court last season.

“A lot of guys are going to step up and play big roles this year,” Wright said Wednesday. “Guys get to see Keeshawn Barthelemy for the first time. I’m really excited to be in the backcourt with him.”

If Wright’s praise of Barthelemy is any indication, the redshirt freshman Canadian could be primed to step into the starting job vacated by now-graduated Shane Gatling. True freshman Dominique Clifford, junior Eli Parquet and senior Maddox Daniels are also contenders for the job.

At the very least, the Buffs have a true backup point guard to spell Wright when he needs a rest. Barthelemy can also take over ball-handling responsibilities when Wright is on the floor so the veteran can try his hand off-ball. Wright told DNVR in January that he was excited about that exact scenario.

He reiterated that excitement again on Wednesday.

“I expect a lot from Keeshawn and he knows that but it’s not any pressure to him and that’s what I like most,” Wright said. “He puts the work in so I’m highly confident that he’ll show out this year and show everybody what he can do. He’s an athletic point guard/combo guard so it’ll be fun to be in the backcourt with him, be off the ball some.”

It isn’t every day you hear all-conference guards say they want the ball out of their hands. It’s especially rare for a senior—especially one with Wright’s resume—to defer any control to a freshman.

But here we are.

“He’s a really good passer,” Wright said. “I’ve gotta get my assist numbers up because he’s going to be coming for my records when I get up out of here.”