In Buford's freshman season at Ohio State, he averaged 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. For the week of January 19, Buford was named the Big Ten Player of the Week, after averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds per game in two Ohio State wins.[3] He was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection.[2]
Sophomore season
As a sophomore, Buford averaged 14.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He was also a Third Team All Big-Ten selection.[2]
Junior season
In his junior season at Ohio State, Buford averaged 14.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He was also a Second Team All Big-Ten selection.[2]
Senior season
Before his senior season at Ohio State, Buford was a preseason All Big-Ten selection, as well as a Top-50 Naismith and Wooden Award watch. In his senior season, Buford averaged 14.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.[2] Following the season, Buford was named to the All Big-Ten Second Team.[4] He was also named a Lowe's Senior Class Award finalist.[5]
Professional career
After going undrafted in the 2012 NBA draft,[6] Buford joined the Minnesota Timberwolves for their pre-Summer League mini-camp[7] and the Timberwolves' Las Vegas Summer League team. In two games with the Timberwolves, Buford recorded a total of five rebounds and two assists.[8]
In August 2012, he signed his first professional contract with Blu:sens Monbús of Spain.[9]
Buford joined the Utah Jazz for the 2013 NBA Summer League. In November 2013, he was acquired by the Santa Cruz Warriors.[10] On March 8, 2014, he was traded to Canton Charge.[11]
On November 2, 2014, Buford was reacquired by the Canton Charge.[12] He was waived by Canton on December 17, 2014.[13] On January 9, 2015, he was acquired by the Texas Legends.[14]