Colorado men's basketball is facing a significant change as star freshman Isaiah Johnson plans to enter the transfer portal. Johnson made an immediate impact with a standout performance, scoring 24 points in the Buffs' season opener against Montana State. This game was just a preview of his breakout year.
Johnson led Colorado in scoring, averaging an impressive 17 points per game while boasting a shooting percentage of 49% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His efficiency on the court earned him an all-Big 12 Honorable Mention, marking him as the most efficient scoring guard in the Big 12 Conference.
Teaming up with guard Barrington Hargress, Johnson played a pivotal role in turning Colorado's fortunes around. The team improved from a challenging 14-21 record last season to a winning 17-15 finish this year.
One of Johnson's standout performances came in early March against Arizona, the eventual Big 12 Conference champions. He scored 28 points, including a career-high four three-pointers, showcasing his ability to shine in big moments. As a Campbell Hall graduate, Johnson broke the school's freshman scoring record and excelled at drawing fouls and converting from the free-throw line.
Head coach Tad Boyle, who successfully navigated the team through a rough 2024 season, now faces another challenging offseason. Replacing Johnson's scoring prowess will be no small feat, and Boyle will need to strategize to fill the void left by such a talented player.