College basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States. Fans are very passionate about their hometown teams. When there’s a game, thousands flock to the stadium to support and cheer for their favorites.
The Colorado Buffaloes are among the oldest and most popular teams in college basketball. They’ve represented the University of Colorado Boulder in the Pac-12 Conference of the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I since 1901.
The team has also competed in the NCAA Tournaments fourteen times, reaching the finals twice in 1942 and 1955. They also participated in nine National Invitation Tournaments and won in 1940. This 2023-2024 season, the Colorado Buffaloes aim to add an NCAA title to its long history in college basketball.
Long-time coach
Since 2010, the Colorado Buffaloes have been under the leadership of head coach Tad Boyle. In his 13 years as head coach, he has led the team to five NCAA Tournaments, wherein they reached the Round of 32 twice – in 2011-2012 and 2020-2021. He also steered the team to 2 semi-final finishes and one quarter-final finish in the single-elimination National Invitation Tournaments.
As a long-time fixture in the Colorado Buffaloes, no other person on the team knows more information about the team’s culture and tradition than he does. He has engraved in this team the up-tempo style of basketball philosophy that has helped them compete with other teams throughout the years.
Player movements
After an underwhelming 2022-2023 season, with high hopes expected from the Colorado Buffaloes, the team has experienced extensive player movements before the new season can start. The most intriguing one is the decision of the team’s leading scorer Tristan da Silva to enter the 2023 NBA Draft. His 16.0 points per night fueled the team’s offense and will be greatly missed by their offense structure.
Moreover, Jalen Gabbidon and Ethan Wright, both Ivy League graduate transfers, are leaving the team. Both of them combined for 35.0 minutes of court action. Both also contributed 9.3 points, 1.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Their leadership also off-court is the thing that will be massively missed, as they have helped younger players mature and improve.
Furthermore, three players from last year’s team have decided to transfer to different schools. Lawson Lovering, who plays center, has chosen to transfer to the University of Utah and joined the Utah Utes. Meanwhile, guard Nique Clifford has transferred to Colorado State Ram, representing Colorado State University.
Lastly, breakthrough player Quincy Allen who plays both guard and forward, also elected to transfer to James Madison University in Virginia to play for the James Madison Dukes.
Recruited players
The Buffaloes have recruited three solid players to recuperate the lost talents Colorado Buffaloes lost during the offseason. These jaw-dropping recruits are expected to boost the team’s morale, standing, and chances of winning.
- Forward: Cody Williams
This player has been rated the nation’s number 1 talent, garnering five stars from pundits and experts. Cody Williams is expected to be a major boost to the team due to his enormous stature (he’s 6 foot 8 inches) and NBA genes, as his brother Jalen plays with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Many pundits and experts think he is the missing ingredient so Colorado Buffaloes can finally win the NCAA Tournament. A talent like Cody Williams is now part of an experienced team with intriguing size, proven scorers, and a very deep backcourt.
- Forward: Assane Diop
Aside from Williams, the Colorado Buffaloes also adds a solid wing player. Assane Diop has received four stars from pundits and expert rankings for his ability to create his shots. With his addition, the team will no longer solely rely on Lawson Lovering’s big leap near the basket, giving the team additional security in the post.
- Guard: Courtney Anderson Jr.
With the loss of breakthrough guard/forward Allen, the team has tapped Courtney Anderson Jr. to fill in the void. He has received solid three stars from experts due to his agile movements and good passing skills. He’s a solid replacement for the recently transferred former team guard.
Breakout stars
During the disastrous 2022-2023 campaign plagued by injuries, the season’s highlight must be the discovery of breakout stars among the role players. Leading the pack at the top is point guard Julian Hammond.
When the original starter got injured, Hammond became the primary ball handler, demonstrating that he could hold his own. In the three games he started, Hammond scored 16.7 points and recorded 4.3 assists, only turning the ball over to the other team five times throughout the three games.
Guard Luke O’Brien also had breakthrough moments the previous season. O’Brien proved that he’s a guard to be reckoned with. His size, rebounding skills, defense ability, and three-point range will boost the team’s offense and defense this season.
Final thoughts
Even though the 2022-2023 season disappointed the Colorado Buffaloes, the upcoming season looks brighter for them. They have retained their long-time coach and team anchor while adding superb and solid recruits to the team.
The Colorado Buffaloes have also discovered that some role players have bloomed into solid players. Let’s hope they’ll remain in their best playing forms this upcoming season and not be plagued with injuries like last time.