Dwyane Wade attends Colorado's season opener
- Leo Rivera IV
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Colorado Buffaloes (1-0, 0-0 Big 12) pulled off an 84-78 nailbiter victory against the Montana State Bobcats (0-1, 0-0 Big Sky) in front of NBA legend Dwyane Wade, Monday night.
Wade, the Godfather of freshman guard Isaiah Johnson, was in attendance in Boulder to watch the season opener. Johnson erupted for 24 points in the second half, setting a freshman record, helping propel Colorado down the stretch.
“He did great, first of all, the most important thing for Isaiah and obviously the Buffs is to win,” Wade told Sko Buffs Sports. “So they got their first win at home.”
Johnson was scoreless in the first half before going ballistic during the clutch, knocking down 10/12 of his free throws and shooting 6/9 from the field. Debut nerves combined with family courtside may have contributed to the slow start, but Johnson showed up when it mattered most.
“He’s a freshman, he had a tough freshman first half,” Wade said. “Then he had a really seasoned second half. His family over here is very proud of him. You see the kid put in the work, you expect it, but it was good to see.”
Isaiah Johnson’s father, Chris Johnson, has been a longtime NBA trainer and has a deep friendship with Wade, prompting his trip to Boulder. The family ties brought the Heat great out to Colorado, but the gameplay could be what brings him back.
“It was good, it's going to build,” Wade said. “Tough year last year, but they’re gonna build and fans are going to show up.”
Johnson's performance has brought optimism and excitement to the season. The young guard showed poise and rose to the occasion. Even head coach Tad Boyle had the chance to meet Wade, a moment Boyle admitted was special.
“Dwyane Wade is a hell of a basketball player, we all know that,” Boyle said. “I’m a big Dwyane Wade fan, and always have been. I think our players enjoyed meeting him. I don’t know if he’ll be at every game, but I know he loves Isaiah.”
Postgame, Johnson reflected on his relationship with Wade.
"He means the world to me, he's been my Godfather since I was a little kid," Johnson said. "Just having him here for my first college game means a lot."
Wade didn't share when, but confirmed he’d be back in Boulder this season. Colorado hosts the Eastern Washington Eagles next, on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. MT on ESPN.