LAS VEGAS – There is probably a clichè out in the world about experience being wisdom and wisdom being success or something along those lines. It’s probably something you’ll see on an inspirational social media page. And it is definitely tacky, but in the madness of March, there could be some truth behind it.
The truth is, you have to learn how to win in the big moments of post-season play. For the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team, only one player has had experience actively dancing deep into March: Eddie Lampkin Jr.
Lampkin played in the 2022 national tournament with the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs two seasons before transferring to Boulder. Lampkin and the Horned Frogs took down the Seton Hall Pirates as a No. 9 seed before falling to No. 1-seeded Arizona Wildcats in the round of 32.
While the run only lasted for two rounds, Lampkin played 58 minutes in the Big Dance putting up 22 points and 19 rebounds. It is the most and nearly only experience on this Buffaloes team. Two Buffs repped the black and gold in the 2021 tournament: Tristan da Silva and Luke O’Brien. Now seniors, both were freshmen the last time Colorado was a part of the 68-team bracket. Their minutes were limited, combining for 18 minutes in action and only five shot attempts.
With a win over No. 6 Utah Utes in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament, 72-58, the Buffs have almost certainly secured themselves a spot in the national tournament. A place where an experienced Lampkin can help bring his experience to help communicate what it takes to the rest of the team who hasn’t really been there before.
“We talk about it all the time, him communicating with us,” J’Vonne Hadley said about Lampkin on and off the court. “He’s in the lane, he’s guarding the other big guy and he can see everything. So when he talks it helps all of us out.”
While the experience Lampkin has is a nice addition to the Buffaloes squad, you can’t sell him short of the skills and intensity he brings to the game. Against the Utes, Lampkin had 17 points, 12 rebounds and three assists helping the Buffs stampede their way into the semis.
“He’s an animal, he brings a lot of energy,” Hadley said. “Offense, defense, [he] does it all for us.”
Lampkin and the Buffaloes took care of business Thursday night, but they aren’t done yet as the Pac-12 title is the sight set in front of them.
“It’s not going to be easy, but nothing’s easy in March,” head coach Tad Boyle said.
The No. 3 Colorado Buffaloes take on the No. 2 Washington State Cougars in the semifinals Friday night at 8:30 p.m. MT on FS1.
Welcome to March.
Cover photo by Roberto Patrick Gerra/Sko Buffs Sports
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