In-state blue-chip shooting guard has genuine interest in Colorado

Now that Arvada (Colo.) West big man Dallas Walton is committed to Colorado's men's basketball program, the Buffaloes shift their recruiting focus to Class of 2017 recruits. One of their top targets lives 100 miles south in Colorado Springs.

D'shawn Schwartz, already rated a four-star prospect, earned an offer from the Buffs in October shortly after turning heads at a USA Basketball developmental camp. He has been up to Boulder “four or five times” for unofficial visits since then.

"They have been recruiting me since I was in ninth grade and they are doing a really good job," said Schwartz, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound shooting guard from Sand Creek High School. "I am very comfortable with the coaching staff and they really treat me well every time I go up there."

Schwartz was most recently up in Boulder for the Buffs' game against California on Jan. 31 and he plans to return to watch Colorado host Arizona State on Feb. 28.

"I really like the Pac-12. That is where I really see myself fitting in,” he said. “Not saying I wouldn't go to any other school but I just really like that conference and CU is just a great place. It is very welcoming, close to home, I just love it there."

UNLV, Colorado State and Weber State have also extended an offer, and Schwartz has been receiving increased interest in Stanford. Head coach Johnny Dawkins has been in contact and the Cardinal have said they are waiting to see how he did on his recent ACT test.

Schwartz prides himself on his mid-range pull-up, his ability to get the rim and his ability to guard multiple positions. He said he has tried to be more aggressive and take on more of a leadership role during his junior season at Sand Creek. Schwartz is averaging 20.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals through the first 22 games. The Scorpions are currently 14-8.

“I feel like our team is starting to get things together but we have to play more consistently,” he said. “We need to play defense for four quarters. That is something we have failed to do this season.”

As far as picking a college, Schwartz currently plans to wait until after the July evaluation period to make his final list of suitors.

“Once I make that list, after the summer, I'll start going on some official visits,” he said.