University of Colorado Athletics
Sherrod, Simpson Give Buffs Top Point Guard Tandem
January 02, 2024 | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — The best point guard tandem in all of college basketball might be found at the University of Colorado.
Certainly, it would be difficult to find a pair any better than Buffaloes Jaylyn Sherrod and KJ Simpson.
Both are coming off career-high 34-point efforts over the weekend as they continue to compile eye-popping statistics while leading their respective teams to outstanding seasons.
On Saturday, Sherrod was the main catalyst in the Colorado women's 76-65 win over then-No. 12 Utah at the Events Center. Sherrod scored 13 of her 34 points in the fourth quarter to help the Buffs erase an eight-point deficit, and she added six steals, four rebounds and four assists in the game. For her efforts, she was named the Associated Press National Player of the Week.
Simpson, meanwhile, had 21-point, 10-rebound double-double in the men's 73-69 win over Washington on Friday (along with 7 assists), then tallied his 34-point career best in Sunday's 74-67 win over Washington State. He had six points in the final two minutes against WSU as the Buffs fought off a Cougar rally and he also finished with two rebounds, a pair of assists and a steal.
After the WSU game, it was fitting that Sherrod was among the first to be there to congratulate Simpson — one day after Simpson and his teammates were in the stands to cheer on the women in their win over the Utes.
"Shout-out to Jaylyn Sherrod," Simpson told the media after the WSU game. "I went to the girls game yesterday so I was taking some notes from her and that's how I could score the ball today. We're definitely close. Ever since I came here as a freshman, she's been a great friend."
Both players have been key components in outstanding seasons thus far for their respective teams, with consistency being a critical factor in each of their performances.
In the latest AP poll, the CU women moved up to No. 5 in the nation. Sherrod is currently second on the team and 10th in the Pac-12 in scoring (14.8 points per game) and is fourth in the conference in assists (5.8 apg), tied for fourth in steals (28 this season) and 10th in assist-to-turnover ratio.
The CU men, meanwhile, continue to receive votes for the top 25 (they were ranked 18th early in the season). Simpson leads the Pac-12 in scoring (21.08 ppg) and is fourth in the conference in assists (4.54 apg), third in steals (2.08 spg) and free throw percentage (.872), second in 3-point percentage (.471) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Sherrod, a grad student, is in her fifth season with the Buffs. She could have moved on with her career but chose to come back this season in pursuit of moving the Buffs at least a step farther than their NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance of a year ago.
Her veteran leadership, according to CU coach JR Payne, has been instrumental.
"Our upperclassmen, Jaylyn in particular, talked a lot to the group this week about (how) playing in the Pac-12, everything is harder," Payne said after the win over Utah. "You have to have a more focused mindset, a more disciplined approach, everything has to be elevated. Our team, I think, really did that whether we were up or down, it didn't really matter. We stayed locked in."
Simpson, a junior, has steadily improved his game in all facets every year in Boulder. Now, he can focus on specific aspects depending upon the opponent.
"I talked to KJ early in the season about the fact that it's going to be important for him to recognize night to night what he has to do to help the team win," CU coach Tad Boyle said after the win over WSU. "There's nights it might be getting 8 to 10 to 12 assists. Friday (against Washington) he had 10 rebounds. Tonight we needed him to score and he went and got 34. He has solidified himself as one of the great point guards in Colorado basketball history."
Meanwhile, Simpson and Sherrod continue to be leading members of the other's fan club.
"She's a dog, and her mentality, her passion, and her drive are things I really value and appreciate especially — not just on a basketball court but as a person," Simpson said. "She's a great person as well. It's cool to go out and support the girls game, watch high-level basketball and have them come and support us as well."
