Six games into Big 12 play, Colorado finds itself in a midseason slide that’s raising some real concerns. After opening conference action with back-to-back wins over Arizona State and Utah, the Buffaloes have now dropped four straight-and the issues go beyond just cold shooting or bad luck. This is a team struggling with the basics: rebounding, ball security, and consistent interior presence.
Their most recent setback came against No. 19 Kansas, and it was the glass that told the story.
Colorado was out-rebounded 44-32, a margin that’s tough to overcome against any team, let alone a top-25 opponent on the road. And unfortunately for Tad Boyle’s squad, this wasn’t a one-off.
Just look back at their Jan. 17 trip to Morgantown. West Virginia dominated the boards 36-18, more than doubling Colorado’s total. That kind of disparity speaks to a deeper issue-a lack of physicality and presence in the paint that’s becoming a defining weakness for this young Buffaloes team.
At the heart of it is a frontcourt rotation that’s still trying to find its footing. Elijah Malone, the graduate transfer from NAIA’s Grace College, was a feel-good addition in 2024.
Last season, he played a solid role during Colorado’s first year back in the Big 12, averaging nearly 19 minutes a game with 7.9 points and 3.2 rebounds. But this year, his impact has taken a step back.
His minutes are down to 16.2 per game, and while he’s still contributing offensively with 5.6 points, his rebounding hasn’t improved much-just 3.5 boards per game.
The bigger issue? Malone’s defensive limitations are being exposed.
He doesn’t offer much rim protection, and opposing teams are attacking him off the dribble with success. Without lateral quickness or shot-blocking instincts, he’s become a target in the paint-and Colorado doesn’t have the depth to cover for it.
The Buffs’ starting frontcourt includes Sebastian Rancik and Bangot Dak, both of whom bring some versatility and skill, but neither fits the mold of a traditional, physical big. Dak, to his credit, leads the team in rebounding at 7.3 per game, while Rancik chips in 5.4. Freshman Alon Michaeli has also shown promise, averaging 5.0 boards, but like the others, he’s more of a stretch four than a true center.
That lack of a physical, paint-dominating presence is hurting Colorado on both ends of the floor. Opponents are getting second-chance opportunities, and the Buffs are struggling to finish defensive possessions. Offensively, they’re not getting many easy looks inside, which puts even more pressure on their perimeter play.
Boyle tried to address the frontcourt depth this past offseason by bringing in two centers-Tacko Fawaz and Leonardo Van Elswyk-but both were seen as long-term projects. Of the two, Fawaz has started to see the floor a bit more, appearing in seven games so far. He’s been called upon recently due to foul trouble and injuries, including in Colorado’s last two conference games.
Speaking of injuries, Malone exited early in the Kansas game after trying to take a charge just two minutes in. Boyle said afterward that Malone should be okay, though he’ll likely be sore for a couple of days.
With Malone sidelined, Michaeli stepped up and logged 28 minutes off the bench, pulling down a team-high seven rebounds. That was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating night.
With UCF up next, Malone’s availability will be something to watch. If he can’t go, Boyle may have no choice but to give Fawaz some extended minutes-ready or not. The freshman big hasn’t looked fully comfortable at this level yet, but Colorado is running out of options in the paint.
The Buffs are still fighting, still competing. But until they clean up the little things-boxing out, limiting turnovers, protecting the rim-they’re going to keep coming up just short. In the Big 12, that’s a tough way to live.