Is Logyn Greer Colorado’s next frontcourt phenom?

Colorado Buffaloes freshman forward Logyn Greer starts her college journey with lofty potential, both individually and program-wide. (Photo by Ryan Asaro/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball coach JR Payne often has to blur modern recruitment’s fine lines. Running a show without the decorated legacy or financial support to lure top prospects, she’s cast wide nets while holding her place at the altar of selflessness.

Payne chose 10 players to walk this tightrope for a second straight offseason, half of whom are freshmen. But a program-shifting prodigy is waiting in those wings. 

In the footsteps of Mya Hollingshed, Quay Miller and Aaronette Vonleh, forward Logyn Greer began practice with the Buffaloes on Thursday. 

Hailing from a basketball family, prominent AAU side Elevate Elite and Friends’ Central School in the Philadelphia suburb of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, the four-star recruit stands tall among her fellow newcomers. Greer was a McDonald’s All-American nominee, a two-time All-State First Team selection and has had Power Five offers since she was 15.

With those accolades come prodigal expectations, but if anyone could’ve cooled the chaos of a prep itinerary, it was Payne. Colorado was relentless but grounded with Greer throughout her high school career, a “family-like” warmth that’d net her over West Virginia, Clemson and Arizona State last October.

“They showed me the plan,” Greer said. “And everybody here is their true, authentic self. There was nothing different behind the scenes.”

The Centennial State first caught her eye during the USA 16U National Team Trials in Colorado Springs, which she “absolutely loved.” The Buffs’ interest compounded her affinity, and now, she’s squeaking CU Events Center hardwood for the first time.

Greer is an inch shy of a team-high at 6-foot-4, but she’s no pedestrian post presence. Take a wingspan of at least 6-foot-10 with sharp jump shooting, a solid handle, virtuosity in structure and effortless defensive deterrence often leading to dominance in transition, and you have the envy of any lab scientist.

Forward Logyn Greer brings a unique blend of athleticism, length and shooting touch to the Colorado Buffaloes, idolizing NBA legend Kevin Durant. (Ryan Asaro/Sko Buffs Sports)

“Shooter, slasher, pure three-level scorer,” Greer said of what to expect from her game. “I’m a big mid-ranger, so I try to model my game after [Kevin Durant].”

Perhaps what capped her rise in recruiting ranks to No. 75 (247Sports Composite) was the same concern Durant faced on his journey to stardom. She hasn't shied away from contact, but strength and conditioning should be of utmost focus if Greer and her lanky frame hope to hang in the hard-nosed Big 12.

“She’s like all freshmen, going through the challenge of the weight room and the physicality,” Payne said. “But she’s just handled it all really well.”

Even with plenty of work ahead, coaching buzzes with belief. If it gels, Greer’s only limit is herself.

“Logyn is as advertised,” Payne said. “Her skillset is like a very young Breanna Stewart. She can shoot it, she can dribble, she can rebound, she can block shots, she can post up.”

This pressure could burst pipes. Comparisons to Durant and Stewart, both all-time greats in their respective leagues, can break any 18-year-old’s brain. Greer’s bag of tricks, paired with CU’s spotty frontcourt depth, may warrant action early and often, even an immediate starting spot. 

However, the Buffaloes targeted polished, athletic ball handlers through the transfer portal, like Desiree Wooten and Zayanna Walker, as stewards of her development.

Additionally, the true centerpiece set to bloom this season made sure to take the freshman under her wing. Returning senior forward Jade Masogayo was key in guiding Greer out of her shell and into the challenges and routines of college life.

Standout Colorado Buffaloes forward Jade Masogayo has become a mentor to freshman Logyn Greer as the team begins practice. (Ryan Asaro/Sko Buffs Sports)

“I thought she was really quiet throughout the recruiting process, not super loud or outgoing,” Payne said. “And then when she got here and got surrounded by our players, Jade and Des[iree] in particular, she has this incredible personality. She’s funny, she’s dancing, she’s TikTok, she’s all of those fun things that you have in a team.”

What Greer can become would clog the squad’s calendars in March, but may open a universe of possibilities. The Buffs are in a transitional stage, having just lost the last on-court remnants of their back-to-back Sweet Sixteen runs in 2023 and 2024. 

They’re desperate for torchbearers, and if one pans out, elite prospects like Colorado-born five-star Brihanna Crittendon could turn their heads. If Greer is next in the rich lineage of Payne-coached CU forwards, the domino effect’s potential is just as limitless. 

But don’t tell her that. Infinity awaits.

“Just compete and just take it day-by-day,” Greer said. “As a freshman, you’ll have a lot of up-and-down moments, so just trying to stay solid and keep[ing] your head level will definitely help.”