Buff Bites: Derrick White and Buffaloes Recruiting

A Colorado hoopster’s dream comes true, the Pac-12 South Champions receive their rings, and Alex Van Halen is trying to make a name for himself in the 3000m Steeplechase. ‘Might as well jump’ into this edition of Buff Bites.

THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES REALITY

Perhaps one of the best stories of Thursday’s NBA Draft was Derrick White getting drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs. A relative unknown two years ago, the former Division II guard – who transferred to the Buffs for his senior season - averaged 18.1 points, 50.7 shooting and 4.4 assists in 2016-17.

With his mother sitting to his right and dad to his left, here’s the moment White heard his name called:

What did White do less than 24-hours after getting drafted 29^th overall by the Spurs? Well he was back in the gym preparing for the next phase of his career BuffZone.com writer Pat Rooney reports.

TEAM COLORADO RECEIVES #1 SEED

After losing to Overseas Elite in 2016, Team Colorado is back to make some noise in this year’s TBT (The Basketball Tournament). Comprised of Buffs alumni including Marcus Hall, Josh Scott and Chris Copeland, Team Colorado received the top seed in the West Region of this year’s event. Team Colorado will begin their quest for the $2 Million grand prize on July 15 vs. Kimchi Express in Las Vegas.

PAC-12 SOUTH CHAMPS RECEIVE THEIR BLING

After orchestrating one of the best turnarounds in recent memory, Mike MacIntyre and the Pac-12 South Champion Buffaloes received their rings in a ceremony on Friday night.

Here’s the reveal video the team watched before receiving their Pac-12 South Championship rings:

CLASS OF 2018 TAKING SHAPE

While the current Buffs were receiving their rings, the Class of 2018 grew by three last week. Colorado received verbal commitments from junior college linebacker Davion Taylor and a pair of offensive weapons from Texas, wide receiver Jarek Broussard and running back Deion Smith. That makes a total of 10 verbal commits for the Class of 2018.

PAIR OF FORMER BUFFS TAKE HOME TRACK TITLES

Congrats to former CU runners Jenny Simpson (1,500m) and Emma Coburn (3000m Steeplechase) who took home national titles at the U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships Saturday. It was Simpson’s fourth consecutive national title and Coburn’s sixth of her career.

‘MIGHT AS WELL JUMP!’

Speaking of steeplechasers, here’s a great read from Associated Press sports writer Pat Graham on former Buff Aric Van Halen, (yes, son of Van Halen drummer & co-founder Alex Van Halen) who chose a different path then that of his father. Aric finished 25^th in the 1^st round of the Men’s 3000m Steeplechase at Friday’s U.S. Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

SAVE THESE DATES!

‘Born to Lead: The Sal Aunese Story’ makes its U.S. television premiere on Friday, August 18.

50^th anniversary of Ralphie’s first run on Saturday, October 28 vs. California.