Cody Williams of Colorado enters NBA draft after just one season with Colorado

Cody Williams, a five-star prospect who played at Colorado as a freshman, revealed on social media Monday that he will enter the NBA draft. 

The 19-year-old Arizona forward averaged 11.9 points and three rebounds to help the Buffaloes reach the NCAA Tournament. Williams made the Pac-12 all-freshman team after shooting 55.2% from the floor and blocking 16 shots this season.

According to AP News, “I want to thank my brother Jalen for encouraging, pushing, and challenging me to be the best version of myself.” “Your inspiration means more than you will ever know.” Cody Williams wrote on his Instagram post.

Williams, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 190 pounds, is viewed as a lottery choice due to his athleticism. Some draft forecasts place him in the top five. His brother, Jalen, was Oklahoma City's 12th overall pick from Santa Clara in 2022. Jalen Williams helped the Thunder earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference this season. 

Williams led Colorado victory against Florida in the NCAA tournament

One of Williams' best performances in a Colorado jersey was a 23-point outburst against Oregon on January 18. He missed 13 games due to different injury during the season, including an ankle injury that held him out for the last four regular season games before returning for the playoffs. Throughout the season, Williams had multiple serious injuries, including a fractured orbital bone, a wrist injury, and an ankle injury. After making it out of the First Four round, Williams led Colorado to a 25-point victory against Florida in the NCAA tournament's first round, but the Buffaloes were defeated by Marquette in the second. 

In the 2023 McDonald's All-American, Williams picked Buffalo over programs like Texas, Arizona, USC, and LSU. He is the first men's five-star prospect to choose Colorado since center David Harrison, a McDonald's All-American in 2001.