How former TCU big man Eddie Lampkin is making the most of his second chance with Colorado

Former TCU big man Eddie Lampkin Jr. is a great example of how a lot can change in a year.

Last March, Lampkin left the Horned Frogs under a cloud of controversy when he made accusations of racism against head coach Jamie Dixon. While the allegations weren’t true, they were a sign of a troubled young man who was dealing with grief after the passing of his aunt in 2023 and the killing of his older brother Du’vonta in 2022.

Fast forward to Friday when Lampkin was one of the heroes in the Colorado Buffaloes’ thrilling 102-100 win over Florida in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Lampkin scored 21 points and added six rebounds and five assists.

After the year of adversity during his final season at TCU, it was a special moment to be back on the NCAA tournament stage.

“It feels good, I was blessed to find somewhere I can call home very quickly,” Lampkin said after the win. “I told Coach (Tad Boyle) that me and K.J. (Simpson) had a relationship going back years. I told (Simpson) if I had the chance, I would love to play with him, so when I went to the (transfer) portal, I hit up coach and he said ‘I would love to have you.’ ”

Lampkin has flourished in his new environment. He’s averaging career-highs in points (10.3), rebounds (7.1) and assists (2.1). He’s brought stability to Colorado’s front court while meshing well with projected NBA lottery pick Cody Williams and experienced veterans like Tristan da Silva and Simpson.

More importantly is what he’s done off the court. Boyle says Lampkin has been a breath of fresh air since the moment the 6-foot-11, 265-pound center arrived in Boulder.

“He’s brought unbelievable toughness, a competitive spirit and energy,” Boyle said. “He’s brought so much to this team, our guys believe in him and he believes in them. You get somebody for just one year and he has to fit in with guys like Tristan and K.J. that have been here for three or four years. He fit in like a glove.”

Friday’s performance was similar to Lampkin’s NCAA tournament breakout game against Arizona in 2022 when he had 20 points and 14 rebounds in a close TCU loss to the Wildcats. This time his performance helped lead to a victory and now Colorado looks like a double-digit seed that can advance to the second weekend.

As he made play after play with a shiny gold grill in his mouth, the Colorado fanbase chanted “Eddie! Eddie! Eddie” at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a sound reminiscent of the cheers he used to receive at Schollmaier Arena.

“God brought me here for a reason,” Lampkin said. “I can make one layup, 10 ayups and they’re showing support. Shout out to Buff Nation. They’re showing us love and that’s all you can ask for at the end of the day.”

While many Horned Frogs fans will have mixed emotions seeing Lampkin have this moment in another jersey, those around the TCU program say there’s no bad blood between them and the former fan favorite. Even while he was weighing his options in the transfer portal, Dixon allowed Lampkin to work out at TCU’s practice facility as a sign of goodwill.

Limpkin and the Buffaloes will face Marquette in the Round of 32 on Sunday.

There have been many athletes that have fallen off their intended path when they faced similar adversity. And yes, some of that was of Lampkin’s own making, but ultimately Lampkin found a way to push through the pain and the grief to finally live up to his potential.

While it would’ve been nice to see him achieve that while still in Fort Worth, Lampkin’s story is still one of success and one that couldn’t have happened without his three years at TCU.