In a season where Colorado has struggled to find its footing in Big 12 play, head coach Tad Boyle has found a steadying force in his backcourt - and his name is Barrington Hargress.
With veteran guards Julian Hammond graduating and RJ Smith moving on, the Buffs were in need of a new floor general, someone who could not only handle the ball but also guide a roster heavy on freshmen through the grind of conference play. And while freshman Isaiah Johnson has turned heads - currently sitting 17th in the Big 12 at 16.5 points per game - it’s been the UC Riverside transfer Hargress who’s quietly become the glue holding Colorado’s offense together.
Hargress came to Boulder with a résumé that demanded attention. Last season, he was a first-team All-Big West selection after torching opponents for 20.2 points per game on 44% shooting overall and 33% from deep. But what’s been most impressive this year isn’t just the scoring - it’s the efficiency.
Despite taking nearly six fewer shots per game than he did at Riverside, Hargress is putting up career-best shooting numbers: 54.4% from the field and a blistering 50.0% from three-point range. That kind of shot-making efficiency, especially in a power conference like the Big 12, is no small feat.
He’s averaging 14.1 points per game - 24th in the conference - but those numbers only tell part of the story. The six-foot guard has hit double figures in all but two Big 12 matchups, showing a level of consistency that’s been hard to come by for the Buffs this season.
Colorado currently sits at 4-9 in conference play with five regular season games left on the schedule. While the postseason picture remains murky, one thing is clear: Hargress is giving them a chance every night.
He’s flashed his UC Riverside scoring chops on multiple occasions, dropping 20 or more points in four games this season. His most recent outburst came in a hard-fought 90-86 overtime loss to BYU in Provo.
In that game, Hargress logged a season-high 41 minutes and delivered a stat line that screamed leadership: 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting (including 4-of-6 from deep), five boards, four assists, and a steal. It was the kind of all-around performance that doesn’t just fill up a box score - it sets a tone.
For a team still searching for rhythm, Hargress has been the steady hand. He’s not just filling a role - he’s becoming a cornerstone. And with one more year of eligibility remaining, Colorado fans can take comfort in knowing that their backcourt will continue to be in good hands.