Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Freshman Wright Ready For Challenge At Arizona
January 22, 2018 | Men's Basketball, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Colorado freshman McKinley Wright is still in the midst of his first tour of the Pac-12. He's never played in Arizona's McKale Arena or Arizona State's Wells Fargo Arena.
But Wright knows what is in store this week for the 12-8 Buffs (4-4 Pac-12) as they make their annual Arizona swing. The Buffs play at 11th-ranked UA on Thursday (6:30 p.m, FS1), then finish the road trip Saturday at No. 21 ASU (6 p.m., ESPNU).
Both teams will be anxious for a little payback for losses suffered in Boulder in early January — in particular the 16-4 Wildcats, whose only Pac-12 blemish this year is their 80-77 defeat in Boulder.
"We have a target on our backs," Wright said. "We know those two schools don't want to just beat us, they want to kill us. We're going to expect physical, hard-nosed games, the crowd is going to be into it like crazy. We're expecting a battle. They're hungry."
Wright, mature beyond his years for a freshman and a player who has already earned a reputation as a tough, hard-nosed competitor, is looking forward to the challenge.
"It's a great opportunity for us and our program," Wright said. "Going into two of the better schools in our conference and looking for two road wins. It's two huge opportunities for us. I think we're all looking forward to it."
Some players — particularly freshmen — might freeze up in an atmosphere such as Arizona's McKale, known as one of the more raucous venues in college hoops. The UA crowd is expected to be especially rowdy after comments from CU head coach Tad Boyle after the Buffs' win over the Wildcats.
But Boyle has no concerns about his freshman point guard. Boyle has said this week's games will require a large dose of mental toughness, in particular coming on the heels of last weekend's disappointing loss to Washington — and he's confident Wright will lead the way in that area.
"It starts with him, it doesn't end with him," Boyle said. "We have to have our five starters ready to go, our bench guys have to be ready to go. It doesn't matter if you're a senior, a junior, a sophomore or freshman — you have to be ready to be mentally tough and handle that type of environment and relish that opportunity. I know McKinley is the type of guy that does."
Wright was instrumental in CU's back-to-back wins over the Arizona schools. He averaged 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the victories and earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors for his play.
Now, he wants to help the Buffs get back on the right track after the home loss to the Huskies.
"That was a huge missed opportunity," Wright said. "A chance to be in the upper part of the league (standings) and we let it slip. We can't keep making silly mistakes like that, especially at home. But now we have to bounce back. All our focus is on Arizona right now."
BEY GAINING CONFIDENCE: Before the season began, Boyle said freshman Tyler Bey had the chance to make an immediate impact.
Last weekend, the 6-7 wing recorded his first career double-double, a 14-point, 11-rebound effort against Washington. Bey is now averaging 5.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in Pac-12 play.
"I think he's really gained a lot of confidence," Boyle said. "He knows he belongs. I'm not saying he didn't think he belonged before, but there was a 'Am I ready yet?' question. Now he knows (he belongs). Confidence has really grown with that kid and I want it to continue to grow."
WALTON PROGRESSING: Also coming off a solid game against Washington is big man Dallas Walton. The 7-foot redshirt freshman had 13 points, five rebounds, four blocked shots and a pair of assists against the Huskies.
Walton also showed good shooting range, hitting several 15-footers.
"Dallas is a good shooter," Boyle said. "He's got great touch from 15 feet. If he's open from 3 he's capable of making that shot. I thought he did a great job in the high post for the most part against Washington, made some good plays. He's proven he can make that shot in practice and I want him to continue being aggressive."
Walton also showed an ability to protect the rim with his four blocked shots. Now, Boyle said, he wants Walton to become more of a force on the boards.
"The biggest thing with Dallas is he has to become a better rebounder," Boyle said. "His rebounding numbers have to go up. He had five the other night, but I want some offensive rebounds coming into his hands. The biggest thing with him is his timing, going and getting it with two hands and making it a priority."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
