Colorado has been navigating a challenging transition period since moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 after their NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2024-25 season. The shift hasn't been easy, especially with the loss of three pivotal starters to the NBA Draft.
Cody Williams was snapped up by the Utah Jazz as the 10th overall pick, and Tristan da Silva followed at 18th to the Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, All-Conference guard KJ Simpson found his way to the Denver Nuggets after initially landing with the Charlotte Hornets.
The exodus didn't stop there. Key players like Eddie Lampkin, Luke O'Brien, and J'Vonne Hadley transferred to Syracuse, Georgia Tech, and Louisville, respectively, leaving head coach Tad Boyle with the monumental task of rebuilding the roster from scratch.
Last season, the Buffs faced a tough Big 12 schedule, finishing with a 3-17 record, despite finding some success in nonconference play. Coach Boyle knew he had to act swiftly to adapt to one of college basketball's most competitive landscapes.
Fast-forward to the offseason, and Boyle has brought in a promising freshman class. Leading the charge is Isaiah Johnson, a standout point guard from California.
Johnson has quickly become the team's top scorer, averaging 16.3 points per game on an impressive 48.2% shooting. Initially coming off the bench, his stellar performance forced Boyle to make him a starter after the nonconference season.
Other freshmen making waves include Jalin Holland, a physical combo-guard, Alon Michaeli, a stretch-four prototype, Ian Inman, providing combo-guard depth, and Josiah Sanders, an in-state talent known for his defense and attacking prowess. Each has shown glimpses of their defensive skills and playmaking abilities.
Adding experience to the mix, Colorado secured veteran point guard Barrington Hargress through the transfer portal. Averaging 14.2 points per game, Hargress has proven to be a crucial addition and will have another year of eligibility.
However, Colorado's Achilles' heel lies in rebounding and interior toughness. The team lacks a reliable center, with Elijah Malone seeing limited action and Fawaz "Tacko" Ifaola still in development.
Bangot Dak, standing around seven feet tall, struggles with the physical demands of the position. Sophomore Sebastian Rancik has stepped up his rebounding game after some coaching challenges but remains inconsistent in scoring.
Historically, Colorado has struggled on the road, and this season has been no different, with most of their significant losses occurring away from home.
Despite the hurdles, Colorado has laid a solid foundation for the future. Coach Boyle now has a clearer picture of the team's needs moving forward. However, in the era of the transfer portal, retaining talent remains a challenge for programs like Colorado.
With four games left in the regular season, the Buffs have a chance to notch seven conference wins if they can navigate two upcoming challenges: a road game against Houston and a home clash with Arizona.