Colorado University Athletics
Bigger, Stronger Schwartz Adds Versatility To Buffs Lineup
November 14, 2019 | Men's Basketball, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Before the season began, Colorado coach Tad Boyle called D'Shawn Schwartz an "X-factor" for the Buffaloes.
In other words, if Schwartz took his game to the next level as expected, he would be a major part of a winning equation.
So far, so good. Schwartz's first game was outstanding, as the junior wing scored 15 points — 13 in the first half — and added three assists, two blocked shots and a steal in Colorado's opening 81-71 win over Arizona State last weekend in Shanghai.
It was exactly what the Buffs needed, as he added scoring punch early, then provided some outstanding defense down the stretch when Colorado stifled an ASU run to take control in the final minutes for the win. Now the 1-0 Buffs will be looking for their second win of the season in Saturday's home opener when they host San Diego in an 8 p.m. game at the CU Events Center (Pac-12 Network).
Schwartz's development in Boulder has been steady. After averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 13 minutes per game as a freshman with four starts, he bumped those numbers to 9.2 points and 3.7 rebounds last year while starting 35 games.
Now at 6-foot-7 and 226 pounds after a strong summer in the weight room, he poses a matchup problem for defenses. He improved his outside shot over the summer and also has the size and strength to put the ball on the floor and take defenders to the rim.
"That's really important, trying to get the rim," Schwartz said. "I'm trying to get to the free throw line a little bit more and I'm not getting the calls, so I have to try to find a way to get there somehow."
While he didn't get to the free throw line in the opener, he did shoot 6-for-12 from the field, including a 3-for-5 night from 3-point range. About the only part of his game that he was unhappy with was his work on the boards, as he finished with just one rebound.
"I could have done a better job rebounding," he said. "That's something I think will come as the year goes on."
Along with his shooting, Schwartz has also put in some extra time working on his defense. That, Boyle said, showed against the Sun Devils.
"He was really good defensively," Boyle said. "That's one area of his game that people don't recognize that he's really made significant strides."
Schwartz's size and agility make him one of CU's more versatile players on both ends of the floor. He can match up on the perimeter against smaller players, and also defend bigger players in the paint.
An immediate goal, he said, is to improve his rebounding numbers.
"When I got here, (the emphasis) was a lot of defense and rebounding," Schwartz said. "I think they have a little more confidence in my defense now in my third year. I think rebounding is the biggest thing now."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
