Colorado's Jabari Walker flashing potential as a sophomore

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Jabari Walker's potential has always been what catches people's eye. An athletic 6-foot-9, the Colorado sophomore can do things few people his size can.

Walker is also still learning the college game, so his flashes of brilliance sometimes come with doses of reality.

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"This year, his role is completely different. The ball is in his hands," Colorado coach Tad Boyle said. "We’re expecting him to make plays for himself and for others. He’s capable, but he’s on a learning curve."

Walker arrived at Colorado as a four-star recruit and had a solid freshman season, averaging 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 26 games as a backup.

Boyle needed him to fill a bigger role this season with such a young team and Walker has produced, averaging 13.8 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Colorado forward Jabari Walker dunks against Washington during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Seattle. Washington won 60-58. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

But with more responsibility comes more opportunity for weaknesses to be exposed.

A superb 3-point shooter last season, Walker hasn't found the range quite as well this season as teams have focused more on stopping him, his shooting percentage dropping from 52 to 23.

A good ballhandler for his size, he has struggled with turnovers at times, including a crucial one late in a loss to Southern California.

"It’s not because Jabari’s not talented enough and he’s not trying to do the right things," Boyle said.

It's been a learning curve, but the eye-catching plays and potential Walker has shown tends to straighten it out in the eyes of scouts.

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