Colorado Basketball: What to expect from JUCO wing commit Maddox Daniels?
By Andrew Dill
Over a month ago, Colorado Basketball received a commitment from JUCO guard/forward Maddox Daniels on the very first day of the signing period. The Buffs wasted no time issuing a scholarship out to Daniels.
Colorado Basketball was able to get the commitment of Maddox Daniels this week. The 6-6, 200 pound sophomore spent the past two seasons playing for Florida SouthWestern State College. In 2018-19, Daniels played in all of the teams 33 games, averaging 13.9 points on 43.7% from the field. Not to mention, the wing shot 43.1% from beyond the arc and 83.3% from the charity stripe.
The Buffs had a scholarship free up after the graduation of senior guard Namon Wright who missed a majority of the season due to injury. Colorado also has another scholarship at their disposal with the news of junior guard Deleon Brown mutually agreeing to part ways with the team.
Buffaloes head coach Tad Boyle weighed in on what Maddox brings to the table (via 24/7 Sports).
"“(Maddox) fits what we need,” Buffs head coach Tad Boyle said in a press release. “He’s a big wing that can play multiple positions and guard multiple positions. He’s a three-point shooter, something we need. He has a good work ethic, good discipline and is a good student. He checks a lot of our boxes. We’re really excited to have him here.”"
Boyle hit it dead on the nose. The Buffs not only get a versatile player that can guard multiple positions, but the fact they landed a player that can stretch the floor and make shots from deep will help tremendously.
As a team, the Buffaloes shot just 32.4% from distance. Leading the way was sophomore guard McKinley Wright IV (36.5%) followed by junior forward Lucas Siewert (35.2%). Colorado is a young team that got better as the season went on and the record showed. I’d expect their numbers will be a little better percentage wise is 2019-20.
The one thing that intrigues me about Daniels is his ability to create his own shot. He can catch and shoot, shoot off the dribble, attack the basket, utilize the floater — you name it. It will be fascinating to see how Boyle will use the transfer in his rotations this upcoming season.
Next. Early Pac-12 power rankings for 2019-20. dark
As for Daniels, I think he will play a solid role with this team and give them something they’ve been missing off the bench, whether it’s in the scoring column or providing length to take advantage of certain matchups. His size and athleticism should bode well for the shooting guard or small forward position for the Buffs.