How Colorado’s Andrew Crawford is finding his fit amid trip to Australia

Andrew Crawford commanding the offense at Colorado’s practice before leaving for Australia. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

For Andrew Crawford, it’s been nearly two years since he’s played real minutes in a basketball game. Fresh off a redshirt season, he’s ready to elevate as a leader on the Colorado Buffaloes. 

A product of ThunderRidge High School, Crawford was the top recruit in the state of Colorado when he committed to the Buffs. As a 6-foot-6 guard, he came in with a lengthy frame and a promising future, but one that would have to wait. 

In the NIL era, it’s rare for players to take a redshirt willingly, but that is exactly what Crawford chose to do last season. Trusting the coaching staff, he took a year to improve, save his eligibility and maximize time at his dream school. 

“They worked tirelessly during my redshirt season off, making me gain weight, and that is instantly translated to the court,” Crawford said after practice on Tuesday. “I feel like I'm not getting bumped around nearly as much, and I can hold my ground against even bigger guys now.”

The Big 12 Conference has produced some of the premier offensive talent of the NCAA in recent years. For the Buffs, it's no secret that to be more competitive, they must improve on the defensive end. For Crawford, learning to become that shutdown defender was a point of emphasis in the offseason.   

“I am a versatile defender that can guard one to four pretty consistently,” Crawford said. “
So now that I'm able to body with them and be physical, I think I'm going to be a lot better on the defense. I feel like I know where to be at all times, now I can guard the ball a lot better.”

Learning to navigate life as a student-athlete was one of the early challenges for Crawford. Having the chance to get acquainted with the speed and routine of Division 1 basketball without the pressure of playing allowed him to develop. 

Now, at just 19 years old, he has matured quickly.

“It's not a fever dream anymore. I'm up here, I've been through the year, so I know what to expect,” Crawford said. “I know the gear that we're getting, I know the travel. I'm not surprised by any of it anymore. Now I can just focus on the basketball. I'm not distracted by the flamboyancy.”

Improving his game on the court has been important, but so has finding his rhythm with the team off it. As one of only six returners, being an example for others has been important to Crawford. He has found his voice and taken pride in being a leader on and off the court. 

“I'm a very vocal guy. No matter what I'm doing, I'm always talking,” Crawford said. 
”I'm always trying to teach…We have a bunch of younger guys, a bunch of transfers coming in, so they need to learn the ropes and see how you get it done.”

The chemistry so far this summer has been even better than Crawford anticipated. The team has been together in large quantities to learn and grow with one another and prepare for a trip to Australia. 

“I am willing to talk, willing to lead, willing to show these guys around. They have questions, even about food spots, non-basketball things, I still help them out with,” Crawford said. “We went on two team hikes this summer. We also went to a lake and fished a little bit out there. So we've been getting outside.” 

The overseas trip gives Crawford a chance to wet his feet, and for the Buffs to put their hard work to the test. Facing tough competition before the season will help give them an idea of an identity moving forward.  

“I'm looking forward to getting out there with some zebras on the court and doing the official thing,” Crawford said. “Everybody's been super cool, super involved, super loving. This already feels like my family…Spending time with these guys in Australia, I think that's sick.”

These kinds of trips provide a fun and unique bonding experience that the players only get a chance to do every four years. Maximizing the time not only to connect but also to improve their game gives Colorado a unique foundation for the upcoming year.

“We know the last season was a struggle, but we don't want the fans to give up on us,” Crawford said. “We're working tirelessly day and night to get wins, get better than we were last year and try to make it to March. Keep on trusting in us, and we're going to go out there and perform and keep it a show for sure.”