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Colorado Basketball – Spring/Summer, 2023
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August 21st
… CU in the Arena …
CU Press Release: Non-conference schedule set
Press release from CUBuffs.com … The University of Colorado’s 2023-24 men’s basketball nonconference schedule features seven home dates and games against five teams that won 20 or more games a year ago, Buffaloes’ head coach Tad Boyle announced on Monday.
Colorado will start the season with three home games, tipping off against Towson on Monday, Nov. 6, at the CU Events Center. Towson won 21 games last year, finishing third in the Colonial Athletic Association.
The Buffaloes will then host a pair of 2022-23 league runner ups. Colorado will face Grambling State in the return of the Pac-12/Southwest Athletic Conference Legacy Series on Friday, Nov. 10. The Buffaloes will then host Milwaukee, a 22-game winner in the Horizon League last year, on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Colorado’s game with Milwaukee is part of the Sunshine Slam Multi Team Event (MTE) which was announced on Aug. 16. The Buffaloes travel to Daytona Beach, Fla., to play Richmond on Monday, Nov. 20 (6 p.m., CBS Sports Network) and either Florida State or UNLV on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
Colorado returns to the CU Events Center for a date with Iona on Sunday, Nov. 26. The Gaels are the defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season and tournament champions, finishing the 2022-23 season at 27-8. Iona lost to eventual national champion UConn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Buffaloes will then take the hour-trip north for the hardwood edition of the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Colorado will battle Colorado State in Fort Collins on Wednesday, Nov. 29, with a probable start time of 7 p.m. (subject to change with television selections).
Colorado finishes the nonconference slate with three of four at the CU Events Center. The Buffaloes will host Pepperdine on Sunday, Dec. 3, and will then have a week to gear up for the previously announced NABC Brooklyn Showcase against 2023 NCAA Final Four participant Miami (Fla.) on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Colorado returns home to wrap up nonconference play by hosting Northern Colorado on Friday, Dec. 15 and Utah Tech on Thursday, Dec. 21.
The Pac-12 Conference schedule is still in the works and will be announced at a later date. Unlike the last two seasons, there are no early games in late November-early December in the middle of nonconference action. The full 20-game schedule will begin the week of Dec. 28-31.
Colorado men’s basketball season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at CUBuffs.com/tickets or by calling 303-49BUFFS.
2023-24 Colorado Men’s Basketball Nonconference Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT | LOCATION | TIME (MT) | TV |
| Monday, Nov. 6 | TOWSON | BOULDER | TBA | TBA |
| Friday, Nov. 10 | GRAMBLING STATE | BOULDER | TBA | TBA |
| Tuesday, Nov. 14 | ^MILWAUKEE | BOULDER | TBA | TBA |
| Monday, Nov. 20 | ^vs. Richmond | Daytona Beach, Fla. | 6 p.m. | CBSSN |
| Tuesday, Nov. 21 | ^vs. Florida State/UNLV | Daytona Beach, Fla. | 2/4:30 p.m. | TBA |
| Sunday, Nov. 26 | IONA | BOULDER | TBA | TBA |
| Wednesday, Nov. 29 | at Colorado State | Fort Collins, Colo. | 7 p.m. | TBA |
| Sunday, Dec. 3 | PEPPERDINE | BOULDER | TBA | TBA |
| Sunday, Dec. 10 | #vs. Miami (Fla.) | Brooklyn, N.Y. | 12 p.m. | TBA |
| Friday, Dec. 15 | NORTHERN COLORADO | BOULDER | TBA | TBA |
| Thursday, Dec. 21 | UTAH TECH | BOULDER | TBA | TBA |
| Dec. 28-31 | *Pac-12 Conference Season Begins | TBA | TBA | TBA |
^-Sunshine Slam; #-NABC Brooklyn Showcase (Barclays Center)
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August 16th
… CU in the Arena …
CU to face Richmond in Sunshine Slam in Daytona Beach in November
From CUBuffs.com … The University of Colorado men’s basketball team is set to participate in the 2023 Sunshine Slam, Nov. 20-21, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Colorado will take on Richmond on Monday, Nov. 20, in a Beach Bracket semifinal at 6 p.m. MT. Florida State and UNLV play in the first semifinal at 3:30 p.m. MT. Both Beach Bracket games are scheduled to air on CBS Sports Network.
The Beach Bracket championship game will be played on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. The consolation game will follow at 4:30 p.m. and will stream on FloSports.
In addition, the Buffaloes will host Milwaukee on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the CU Events Center in a home game element of the Sunshine Slam. Time and television for the CU-Milwaukee game will be announced at a later date.
Milwaukee will join Stetson, Siena and Central Michigan in Daytona Beach in the Ocean Bracket.
Tickets for the Sunshine Slam are available at ticketmaster.com and can be purchased on site at the Ocean Center Box Office in November
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July 29th
… CU in the Arena …
Tad Boyle: “The basketball job at Colorado got harder, but it got better”
From the Daily Camera … The move from the Pac-12 Conference to the Big 12 is a return home of sorts for Colorado, which competed in various incarnations of the league from 1948 through the 2010-11 academic year.
Among CU’s athletics staff, it is a return home for perhaps no one more than men’s basketball coach Tad Boyle.
Boyle played college basketball in the then-Big Eight at Kansas, and his first year as the head man at CU coincided with the Buffaloes’ final season in the Big 12. Of course, it isn’t the same league that saw the Buffs finish fifth in that final Big 12 season. Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Missouri were league rivals at the time but are long gone. Texas and Oklahoma were conference rivals too, but they will be part of the SEC when CU resumes play in the Big 12 in 2024-25.
In their place are TCU and West Virginia, with Houston, BYU, Central Florida and Cincinnati joining the Big 12 this season. More important than the roster of new and renewed rivalries, however, is that Boyle’s program is leaving a Pac-12 that struggled to gain traction nationally during the Buffs’ tenure in the conference and joining a Big 12 that was the toughest men’s basketball league in the nation in 2022-23.
“I remember thinking 12 years ago that we’re leaving a really good league and we’re going into a really good league. I would probably say the same thing now,” Boyle said. “It’s a great basketball league, the Big 12 is. So it’s exciting. The basketball job at Colorado got harder, but it got better.
“There’s a lot of things I miss about the Big 12, and that’s where our roots are. But I’m going to miss the Pac-12. I certainly enjoyed playing in that league and competing in that league. And I’m looking forward to doing it for one more year for sure. It’s a unique situation with us now and UCLA and USC being our last year.”
… Continue reading story here …
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July 25th
… CU in the Arena …
Team Colorado making debut in The Basketball Tournament on Wednesday
From the Daily Camera … There was a moment not terribly long ago when Team Colorado was an annual factor in The Basketball Tournament.
That time, however, has passed. A team comprised largely of the Colorado basketball alums who helped end an NCAA Tournament drought a few years ago will try to do the same in the 2023 TBT. Team Colorado will make its first appearance in the $1 million winner-take-all since 2019 when it takes on the Purdue-based Men of Mackey in a first-round matchup on Wednesday in Dayton (1 p.m. MT, ESPN+).
The winner will play either Friday Beers or Athletics Miami in the second round on Friday.
“There’s kind of two different groups here. The older guys and the younger guys,” former CU wing D’Shawn Schwartz said. “Just getting to commune with them and learn from their wisdom, get their lessons, that’s going to be important.”
Team Colorado reached the title game of The Basketball Tournament in 2016, narrowly missing out on the winning jackpot after a second half meltdown. The former Buffs reached the Sweet 16 the following year and suffered second-round exits in 2018 and 2019.
Team Colorado departed for Dayton immediately on the heels of three days of workouts. Most of the roster features players fresh off professional seasons. Zach Ruebesam, CU’s director of player development who is serving as the head coach of Team Colorado, is hopeful a track record of playing together for the Buffaloes will pay dividends in Dayton.
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June 23rd
… CU in the Arena …
Five-star Buff Cody Williams making an impression: “He’s been very, very respectful”
From the Daily Camera … Cody Williams has a bigger air of anticipation around him than any Colorado basketball recruit in decades. Arguably since Chauncey Billups arrived nearly 30 years ago.
Williams might eventually be the classic big man on campus. As of now, though, Williams has made it clear he is ready to work.
Prior to departing for Colorado Springs and the USA Basketball U19 World Cup tryout camp, Williams, CU’s five-star recruit, spent about a week with his new Buffaloes teammates going through the start of summer workouts.
As expected, Williams made an impression. Just not in the way some may have expected.
“Some of the feedback that I’ve gotten from our older guys is they appreciate the attitude that Cody has come in with,” CU head coach Tad Boyle said. “Cody has not come in with ‘I’m a five-star recruit. I’m going to take over. I’m not going to listen to you guys.’ He’s been very, very respectful. Now, he was only there for a week. And now he’s in a totally different environment. It’s been an interesting probably two weeks for Cody.”
Ranked as the No. 4 recruit in the 2023 class by 247Sports, Williams and the rest of the U19 team (with Boyle as the head coach) begins play in the World Cup early Saturday morning against Madagascar (4:30 a.m. MT, youtube.com/fiba).
“It’s just a great experience, great exposure,” Williams said. “You get to learn a lot from these coaches, and there’s high-end players.”
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June 21st
… CU in the Arena …
Team Colorado bracket/first game set for The Basketball Tournament
From the Daily Camera … The return of Team Colorado will take place in Dayton.
The bracket for the 2023 The Basketball Tournament was released on Wednesday, with Team Colorado facing a first-round matchup on July 26 in the Dayton bracket against the Mackey Men, a squad comprised mostly of former Purdue players.
The entire 64-team bracket for the $1 million winner-take-all tournament was announced, with eight-team brackets squaring off in seven locations — Dayton, Ohio; Wichita, Kan.; Cincinnati; Louisville, Ky.; Syracuse, N.Y.; Lubbock, Texas; and Wheeling, W.Va.
The quarterfinals will be held in Wheeling, Wichita, Dayton and Louisville. The final four will be held in Philadelphia, with the semifinals set for Aug. 2 and the jackpot championship game to follow on Aug. 3.
Team Colorado and Team Mackey tip off on July 26 at 1 p.m. All TBT games will be available via the ESPN family of networks. The winner between the former Buffaloes and Boilermakers will play again on July 28 against the first-round winner between Friday Beers (formerly Armored Athlete, whose 23 games played in TBT is tied for the second-most in the 2023 field) and Athletics Miami.
… Continue reading story here …
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June 19th
… CU in the Arena …
Hotline Preseason Top 25 has CU in at No. 17
From the San Jose Mercury News … Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd has struggled to navigate March Madness during his two seasons on the job, but the man knows his way around May like few others in his profession.
Lloyd expertly combined the transfer portal and recruiting trail last month to remake Arizona’s roster and position the Wildcats for the 2023-24 conference title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
He fortified the bench with several touted international recruits, including Lithuanian center Motiejus Krivas, who reportedly owns a 7-foot-5 wingspan.
More importantly, Lloyd landed three likely starters from the transfer portal: Guards Jaden Bradley from Alabama and Caleb Love from North Carolina, plus forward Keshad Johnson, who played a crucial role in San Diego State’s stunning charge to the national championship game.
Bradley and Love will provide needed perimeter playmaking; Johnson, frontcourt defense. Above all, the newcomers should increase the level of physical and mental resolve for a program that was too soft to survive the rock fights that define March Madness.
All in all, Lloyd’s surgical overhaul of the roster significantly improves Arizona’s near-term outlook. (Center Oumar Ballo, versatile wing Pelle Larsson and promising guard Kylan Boswell are returning, as well.)
As a result, the Wildcats jumped five spots in our revised top-25 forecast, which accounts for the recruiting decisions, NBA Draft attrition and transfer portal maneuverings that unfolded across the sport in April and May.
(The original version can be found here.)
8. USC
The other basketball team in Los Angeles is one of the offseason’s biggest winners. The Trojans possess an elite backcourt as returning guard Boogie Ellis joins forces with rookies Bronny James and Isaiah Collier, the nation’s No. 1 recruit. The frontline is loaded with long defenders — keep a close eye on Vince Iwuchukwu, a former five-star prospect — to give USC first-class court balance. Previous: 19
10. Arizona
We suggested earlier this spring that the departures of forward Azuolas Tubelis (NBA Draft) and guard Kerr Kriisa (transfer portal) — two highly-skilled players who struggled in the NCAAs — would benefit the Wildcats by expediting the roster changes needed to succeed in the postseason. After viewing Lloyd’s craftsmanship on that front, our position remains unchanged. In fact, we’ll double down. Previous: 15
17. Colorado
The outlook brightened considerably in Boulder when forward Tristan da Silva withdrew from the NBA Draft to join returning guard KJ Simpson, mega-recruit Cody Williams and transfer Eddie Lampkin (TCU). That quartet should propel CU back into the NCAAs and, potentially, to the top of the Pac-12. Previous: not ranked
25. UCLA
Admittedly, this ranking is rooted in the belief that Mick Cronin’s coaching acumen will help the Bruins overachieve. But given the massive personnel losses and modest talent gains, the margin for error in Westwood will be oh-so-thin as UCLA takes its final swing through the Pac-12. Previous: 9
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June 15th
… CU in the Arena …
Ongoing knee issues to cost Javon Ruffin a second season
From the Daily Camera … Javon Ruffin’s uncooperative knee is going to cost him a second college basketball season.
Colorado’s highly touted 2021 recruiting class has suffered another setback as Ruffin will miss the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee issue that has plagued him since his arrival in Boulder two years ago.
Ruffin, who also redshirted during his true freshman season of 2021-22 while recuperating from the initial injury, endured his third knee procedure in less than two years in April. A spark at times off the bench this past season and a bright spot from long range on a Buffaloes team that struggled from the 3-point arc, Ruffin was limited to 24 games due to recurring knee problems.
“It sucks. I just love playing basketball and that’s the reason I’m here,” Ruffin said. “It sucks having that taken away from me for another year. But I’m pretty optimistic about it. I didn’t feel a hundred percent before the surgery. Even all last year. I’m just hoping that this can get me back close to 100% as I can be.”
Ruffin initially suffered a dislocated kneecap prior to his arrival at CU and underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage. Ruffin missed the summer workouts ahead of his true freshman season at CU but was going through preseason workouts before a setback again sent him to the surgical ward for a clean-up procedure. Ruffin returned to practice on a limited basis late in the year but took a redshirt season.
… Continue reading story here …
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June 7th
… CU in the Arena …
Tad Boyle fills out the 2023 roster with 6’10”, 180-pound big man Bangot Dak
Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast standout big man (6’10”, 180-pounds) Bangot Dak has announced his commitment to Colorado today less than a week after being offered by the Buffs. He started to make some noise this spring as an unsigned senior and had planned to do a post-grad year at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas, but CU offered him as a 2023 recruit and is expected to add him for the upcoming season. He still has plenty of raw elements to his game but is a stout defensive prospect already.
Described as a late-bloomer, Dak averaged 11.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game as a senior at Lincoln Southwest.
Here is a link to his Hudl.com highlights
The Buffaloes now have 13 scholarship men’s basketball players for the 2023-24 season:
| Seniors | Juniors | Sophomores | Redshirt Freshmen | 2023 Signees | |
| Guards | KJ Simpson Julian Hammond | Javon Ruffin | RJ Smith | Courtney Anderson Jr. | |
| Wings | J’Vonne Hadley Luke O’Brien Tristan da Silva | Cody Williams | |||
| Bigs | Eddie Lampkin Jr. | Joe Hurlburt | Assane Diop Bangot Dak |
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June 6th
… CU in the Arena …
With da Silva returning, CU now considered the third-best team in the Pac-12
From the San Jose Mercury News … In what might be viewed as a gigantic upset given the sinking multi-year trajectory, the Pac-12’s outlook for the 2023-24 season improved substantially during the barrage of offseason roster maneuverings.
The top of the conference looks far stronger than it did six weeks ago, when NBA Draft decisions and transfer portal moves were in their infancy.
At this point, it’s far easier to envision at least four teams contending for the regular-season title and advancing to the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
While additional roster moves are inevitable over the coming weeks, they will likely be sporadic. Rotations are approaching final form.
Our revised projections for the conference race …
- 1. USC
- 2. Arizona
- 3. Colorado … On the final day of May, the Buffaloes became a threat for March. Tristan da Silva’s decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft gave CU the final piece needed to contend for the Pac-12 title and an NCAA Tournament bid. Combine the versatile forward with returning point guard KJ Simpson, five-star prospect Cody Williams and big man Eddie Lampkin, a transfer from TCU, and the Buffaloes have their best core in years — better, even, than the McKinley Wright-led group that reached the second round of the NCAAs in 2021. Previous: 4
- 4. UCLA
- 5. Utah
- 6. Oregon
- 7. Arizona State
- 8. Washington
- 9. Stanford
- 10. Washington State
- 11. California
- 12. Oregon State
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June 1st
… CU in the Arena …
Tristan da Silva to return for his senior year: “Next year, when he does become a pro, he’s going to be that much further along”
From the Daily Camera … In these matters, nothing is official until it officially becomes official.
So while it was widely expected that Tristan da Silva would return to the Colorado men’s basketball team for the 2023-24 season, fans and even the Buffaloes themselves have been forced to limit the expectations on what could be an interesting season until da Silva’s NBA draft fate was decided.
No one needs to wonder any longer.
On Wednesday, da Silva formally withdrew his name from the NBA draft pool, clearing the way for his return to the Buffs for his senior season. Wednesday was the deadline for early entrants to withdraw and still retain their collegiate eligibility.
“I’ve learned through the years to try not to worry about things I can’t control,” CU head coach Tad Boyle said. “To be honest, I’ve tried not to think about it, other than what we’d do if he wasn’t going to come back. Because it’s not like we’re going to find a guy to replace him right now. It’s great that he is (returning). You’ve got to understand where these kids are coming from. It’s a process that I think he grew from and he learned a lot.
“Next year, when he does become a pro, he’s going to be that much further along and ready for that process.”
… Continue reading story here …
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April 5th
… CU at the Arena …
CU to participate in prestigious Maui Invitational
From the Daily Camera … A welcome and highly competitive late November sojourn into the tropics became official for the Colorado men’s basketball team.
On Tuesday, the highly-regarded Maui Invitational announced its field for the 2024 tournament, and the Buffs will be joined in Hawaii by a who’s-who of college basketball powerhouses that includes North Carolina, Michigan State, Auburn, Dayton, Iowa State, Memphis and newly-christened national champion UConn.
Next year’s tournament will be the 41st edition of the Maui Invitational. It will be held Nov. 25-27, 2024, at the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui.
CU has played at the Maui Invitation once previously in 2009, losing to Gonzaga and Arizona (in overtime) before defeating Chaminade.
The 2024 field has combined for 45 Final Four appearances and 13 national championships, including the fifth in 25 seasons won by UConn on Monday against San Diego State. Memphis is the only program CU has never faced, and the Buffs’ longest head-to-head drought against the other six teams is North Carolina. CU hasn’t faced the Tar Heels since UNC eliminated the Chauncey Billups-led Buffs in the second round of the 1997 NCAA Tournament.
Teams will play three games in three days, with the bracket and first-round matchups to be announced at a later date.
… Continue reading story here …
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April 4th
… CU in the Arena …
Surprise! ESPN’s Way Too Early Men’s Top 25 Includes CU (at No. 13!)
From ESPN … After one of the wildest NCAA tournaments in recent history — a tournament that included a 16-over-1 upset, zero top-three seeds in the Final Four, a buzzer-beater in one national semifinal and a 5-seed vs. a 4-seed in the title game — what does the 2023-24 men’s college basketball season have in store for us?
Will there be widespread parity across the sport again? Will the blue bloods return to the top of the sport? Will any dominant teams emerge?
As you recover from Monday night’s title game, let’s look ahead.
First, some guidelines:
- Any player currently ranked in the top 60 of ESPN’s 2023 NBA draft rankings is considered a departure for now. If that player opts to return to school, we will adjust in the future. Players not projected to be picked are considered to be returning — unless there has been an announcement saying otherwise. Notable players impacted by this include Zach Edey, who is ranked No. 53, and Adama Sanogo, who isn’t ranked in the top 100.
- We’re still in the midst of the extra year of eligibility due to COVID, so it’s difficult to predict what seniors will decide to do with their final season. For now, we’re projecting them as departures unless they’ve officially announced they’re returning to school for another year. (This is also notoriously tough to figure out, as some schools list seniors as fourth-year juniors and senior night festivities sometimes don’t tell the full story.)
Both guidelines are subject to change, but we had to draw a line in the sand.
With that out of the way, it’s time to dive in — there are only 217 days until the season tips!
From the Pac-12 …
- No. 8 – Arizona
- No. 13 – Colorado -We are all the way in on the Buffs’ bandwagon. They would have been in the top 25 even before Sunday’s commitment from TCU transfer Eddie Lampkin Jr. KJ Simpson and Tristan da Silva, if both return, give Tad Boyle two All-Pac-12 players to lead the way, and he’s adding potential lottery pick Cody Williams, a top-10 recruit. There’s a slew of role players also heading back to Boulder.Projected starting lineup:KJ Simpson (15.9 PPG)
Julian Hammond (6.9 PPG)
Cody Williams (No. 6 in ESPN 100)
Tristan da Silva (15.9 PPG)
Eddie Lampkin Jr. (6.3 PPG at TCU) - No. 16 – USC
- No. 25 – UCLA
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April 3rd
… CU in the Arena …
ESPN’s Way Too Early 2023-24 Women’s Top 25 has CU at No. 20 in the country
… Seven … count ’em, seven – Pac-12 teams in the Top 25 …
From ESPN … Two No. 1 seeds were bounced from the 2023 women’s NCAA tournament before the Sweet 16. No top seeds reached the title game. The 2022-23 season was a wild ride, but don’t take off the seat belt just yet. There’s no time like the present to take an early look at next season.
Magical seasons like we got from the Iowa Hawkeyes and Virginia Tech Hokies this year are impossible to predict. Both were in last year’s Way-Too-Early Top 25, but not in the top four. The LSU Tigers, who beat Iowa 102-85 for the national title Sunday, were nowhere to be found. At this time a year ago, Angel Reese wasn’t even in Baton Rouge. That’s what the transfer portal can do for teams, and just like a year ago, the portal will have plenty to say about how these rankings evolve. More than 350 players are in the portal, and that number will rise significantly in the coming weeks. So many decisions are yet to come.
This coming season is also the last in which players impacted by COVID-19 may opt for an extra year of eligibility, and several programs will benefit from one last season for their veterans.
As a fantastic season wraps up, let’s start the conversation for 2023-24 with a Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings.
From the Pac-12 …
- No. 2 – Utah
- No. 6 – UCLA
- No. 9 – Stanford
- No. 18 – Oregon
- No. 20 – Colorado … After the Buffaloes’ first Sweet 16 appearance in 20 years, coach JR Payne was rewarded with a five-year contract extension. It also looks like she will have most of her veteran team back for another run. The top four scorers — Quay Miller, Aaronette Vonleh, Frida Formann and Jaylyn Sherrod — are expected to be back next season. This season marked the second time in 27 years Colorado had won as many as 25 games, and the third-place finish in the Pac-12 was the program’s best since joining the conference in 2011.
- No. 21 – USC
- No. 25 – Washington State
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April 2nd
… CU in the Arena …
CU picks up 6’11”, 263-pound TCU transfer center Eddie Lampkin, Jr. – “I committed because I love the coach”
From 247 Sports … TCU transfer Eddie Lampkin Jr. has committed to Colorado. Lampkin is a 6-foot-11, 263 pound big man who spent three seasons at TCU before announcing his commitment to the Buffaloes. Lampkin averaged 6.3 points and 5.9 rebounds in 24 games this season.
Lampkin chose Colorado over a final list of Georgetown, Memphis, Cincinnati, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, and Xavier.
“I’m going to Colorado,” Lampkin told 247sports. “I committed because I love the coach. He called me and told me what I needed to hear. I like their players, I know KJ Simpson, one of my close friends plays on the team and I’ve been able to build a relationship with him and KJ. They’ve been helping me throughout.”
For Lampkin, he makes his decision prior to his official visit which is set to take place on April 14th. While there was early rumors linking him to Georgetown, Tad Boyle and the staff stayed consistent in their message and how they will use them.
“Throughout my time in the portal, the coaches have been consistent in their message. They get the ball inside, they’re going to play five out or four out one in. They’re going to use me in pick and rolls and if I work on my jumper I can pick and pop. I’m obviously good at passing the ball as well so I’ll be able to facilitate a lot. They trust me.”
Out of Katy (Texas) Morton Ranch, Lampkin signed with TCU as a three-star prospect in the Class of 2020. He ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect from the state of Texas in that cycle, regardless of position, and as the No. 58 center prospect nationally.
… Continue reading story here …
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133 Replies to “Colorado Basketball – Spring/Summer, 2023”
Safe to assume the Buffs won’t be participating in the Maui Invitational after all… prayers for our friends in Lahaina +++
Chet Holmgren did it at 7’0″ and 195 lbs. So there is hope. but calling him a “big man” at 180 is about half true. I weigh 200 at a millimeter short of 5’11. Be nice to have to gain weight instead of lose it.
Milkshakes and burritos forever…..almost forgot Bass Ale.’ Whaaa? its not on the training table?
Hey Tad may have found a hidden gemstone that needs polished out a bit with Bangot Dak. Of course just a small sample of high school film, but it shows some talent in the young man. And he may pan out as a guy with a chip on his shoulder, incentivized to work hard for maybe feeling overlooked in recruiting.
13th…eh? If that is prophetic it means Tad will finally hit the sweet 16. I’m not buying it until I see the Buffs working a more organized and consistent offense. The Jekyll and Hide thing has to be eliminated.
On the flip side all the overpaid know it alls are counting on Prime to flop.
Anything past Alabama, Ohio State etc in football they dont get anything right and in basketball its getting to the point they cant even count on the bluebloods to bail their lazy butts out.
COACH PRIME LIFTS ALL SPORTS
Damn. UConn is impressive. To me, they were just bigger, faster, stronger. Than pretty much everyone, judging by their margin of victory, but certainly against SDSU. Their guards are like 6’7” and a massive fly swatter under the rim. Damn. Good for them.
I wonder what tad sees as he watches the tourney unfold? Defense? Offense?
I think he watches the talent play. And enjoys the show.
Go Buffs
UCON was not faster. They played a much more deliberate game on offense but their size helped there as well. A lot of points were set up by SDST’s quicker than quick point guard. Unfortunately, and in a familiar situation, he kept control of the ball way too long most of the time.
This from Tad
“Our biggest downfall offensively this year was our ability to shoot the ball and put the ball in the basket. I would like to address that and get a guy who’s proven he can do that.”
Its still a team game on offense too Tad. You need at least 3 guys in double figures, and 4 is a lot better, if you want to advance in the dance.
Disappointed what with all the proven big men out there in the portal especially that we couldn’t get Ike who was so close to home. I just hope Eddie’s stats are from part time on the floor and not as a starter.
If stats are the measure, he looks better than Lawson with 21 minute avg to lawson’s 34. Arguably against better competition.
He’s also 40-50 lbs bigger. Who knows how ware and Ike will do? The Michigan guy’s probably the best out there, but he seems destined for a ucla or Gonzaga or some other immediate contender.
I like this addition. Seems like a great fit and has friends on the team already.
Go Buffs
All about the coaching eh?
Tad Tad Tad
Winningest coach in CU history.
Go MBB…………………..Make the NCAA.
Another 7 footer hits the Portal and this one is, pardon the redundancy, is a slam dunk. Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson will be going somewhere as a grad transfer. A front line of Tristan, Williams and this guy and Tad wont have to worry about his inability to ever find a consistent 3 point threat.
I just saw that. Would be tremendous. I wonder why he isn’t just going pro? Sounds like he could. May just want to be one year better?
Go Buffs
Nope we got Lampkin instead. 🤞
Looks like a good fit. And probably an upgrade from Lawson, at least based on track record to date. Certainly a much beefier dude.
Go Buffs
I think getting Lamkin is definitely a trade-up for the Buffs. CU desperately needs a banger, or 2-3. If they can get Dickenson (or the Wyoming guy) somehow, that would be great too.
Although Lamkin’s stats look spotty, looking at his size and pictures, he very built-out. I’m think with Tristin, KJ, and Cody Williams they have creators (now those guys have to stay healthy and cannot have a year-long slump). Agree with EP, if Buffs have 2-3 plus players (i.e. players that can create and draw double teams) on the floor on offense, the 3 point threats will just emerge, as they have all day to set up on their favorite spot(s), catch and shoot in rhythm with more time. It won’t be creating off the dribble or having to rush shots. Also, with those three creators, you will have a guy or two that can just knock down wide open shots or cut for easy layups.
IMO, if the KJ, TD, and CW play as advertised, the Buffs should have enough guys to generate some efficient offense; and ideally that will make them better on on defense too. I am confused at the portal ratings too: Clifford 4*– he just does not look explosive and had a year-long slump; IMO, Allen 3* may have more upside, if this new coach/team can unlock his talents.
Its nice Tad gets selected to coach all these FIBA events for the kids but look at the venues. Egypt, Tijuana and now Hungary? whats wrong with Lausanne, Nice, Rio or Bangkok ……or even Boulder?
I think I read where a 7 foot five star center from the Ducks who is in the portal who will also be on Tads U19 team. Prime chance to recruit him but its a little strange a 5 star 7 foot center would be leaving unless he is looking for one of the very top tier teams.
I didnt get to watch him play this year but he has to be an improvement here at his position.
He didn’t play to his rating in Eugene. It happens. But yes, there is certainly a relationship with tad.
Go Buffs
portal is messing with me
Clifford now ranked as a 4 star and Allen a 3 star
and get this
Lovering ranked as a high 4 star
ai yi yi
Just checked the portal
for once Lovering landed on his feet. He is now at Utah.
Clifford and Allen are both now no stars
Graham still uncommitted
Threw anything productive out the window last night and watched basketball from dinner to bed. UCon first puttin Ark in the popcorn machine. It could have been even worse if the refs hadnt given Ark the benefit of a lot of no calls for grabbing and bumping after Ucon got up by 20. Hard to believe Ucon lost 8 games last season.
Then Zags and Bruins. Woooweee. Glad I didnt miss that one. Them more I watch Campbell the more I am impressed. He is short and slow but has unbelievable timing with his passes and shot….and he rarely misses. I’m sure he had a bushel of assists but if he had taken a few more shots it might have put the Bruins over the top. And Timme……Zags are mighty happy he didnt go pro last year.
Next up FAU. I gotta see them play.
so lets see
Between the portal pushers and graduation in rotation players we lose
Lovering
Clifford
Wright
Gabbidon
Add Allen
and
the possibility of Simpson and da Silva heading off to the draft or one of the lesser pro options.
could be 7 roster players out the door including the only 2 real scoring threats
got 3 coming in
its almost a prime style roster makeover.
so prime style roster makeover would include the coach.
Okay hard times
How wait long>
Go big Tad
Ze elephant is large
just checked 247’s list of teams talking to Graham. Its pretty lengthy and includes Gonzaga, Kansas and Arizona. He says 2 things. He wants to be “at a great university” and “has to get back to the (dance).
Can Tad reel him in? the Dance part is going to make it tough.
When it over it can be seen under.
Buffs
Something unfortunately was rotten inside of Tad’s team this year, it was the root of the lack of grit/toughness and consistency (leadership clearly absent). Tad pointed out no one shoots after practice…
Hence, thought there would be a ‘surprise’ or two heading into the Portal…Lovering a surprise even to me, given the consistent Tad love. Mentioned KJ before b/c it appears he and Tad have differences in how the O should be run. Really hope Tristan returns, though there is not much else for him to showcase in college (maybe stronger inside play on D?).
I am shocked a player had and issue with roll-tad on how the offense should be run
Welp, Hello Mr. Elephant
go tad…………..??
In fairness, KJ thinks he is the offense.
In many ways KJ was the offense this year. The Grad transfers got hurt earlier, and I think they were the 3-point threats. As the season progressed, there was not anyone other than KJ that could score/create in streaks to make the offense go. DeSilva was decent, but he really needed another scorer out there to open up his game more. Overall, this year CU was pretty limited offensively. Just not many guys who could dominate their defender in man-to-man. Hopefully, KJ welcomes the new talent and does not need to be the offense.
Well put.
I was hoping the reaction from Tad wouldn’t be surprise and head scratching over Lovering decision. But oh well. My guess is he didn’t feel he was developing as much as am he should and either blames the coaching or just thinks a new environment might help him grow more.
Either way I always wondered about his demeanor. He always seemed to have a frustrated Napoleon Dynamite kind of scowl and look of self -disgust on his face after errors in games and never seemed to be one of the enthusiastic or “up” guys when on the bench. Seems to me he may have really been wracked by self doubt and possibly so hard on himself it got in his way perhaps.
Oh well. Now Tad can fill it with a big guy with a big body already who is confident and can bang near the hoop. And step mr Hulburt and Diop and claim your prize of a lot of minutes next season.
THE MIGHTY SAHEEB.
Have not heard from you in a whle.
Keep the faith
CU Boulder Prime Beef
I’m not sure it is a Tad thing per se. He has been able to lead and put decent teams out there for a long time with different mixtures of players. TAD has been able to evaluate and recruit competitively. This could be a lull for a couple of years. I do not think the Buffs had an explosive player this year, on either side of the court.
If you have “rotten insider(s)” having players move on is not a bad thing. I think KJ stays and the Frosh play + the guys that redshirted and whoever is left. Assuming the Buffs are decent, KJ will develop here, so I don’t think that he moves on. On the transfers:
1. I talked about Lovering below. I wish him the best.
2. Niq Clifford was a well regarded recruit, however he just had an awful Sophomore slump. You can’t have him shoot outside with a .288 average…. Then teams adjust to his drive game, and tools wise, he did not have it. Even in man-on-man, he could not play with his back to the bucket and draw a consistent double team. Decent/good on defense, but not a stand-out.
3. I’m sort of sad to see Allen not work out, but he appears to have deep college adjustment issues, perhaps discipline issues. He was a highly regarded recruit. Tad tried to give him some minutes late in the season, but his play was not consistent enough for a defined role and substantial minutes (i.e 10+ min a game) even with a short bench.
I expect all the guys, drop down a level or two and may resurrect their games.
Seems like that big guy from Wyoming would be a nice addition. Originally from aurora. Come on home, big fella. Come on home.
Go Buffs
Also nice to see Kim English get the gig at providence
I wish Lovering well if indeed he lands elsewhere. What would be interesting is if a case of the “homesick across the border blues” developed. Namely, Lovering going back home to play for Wyoming–who just lost Graham Ike to the portal. Ike, despite being listed as 6’9″ plays much taller and at 255# is already being listed as one of the best bigs in the portal. He has averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds a game as a Cowboy. Oh, and Ike played HS ball at Overland in Aurora. Many representative programs including Colorado have reportedly reached out to him.
Get that boy.
Could be a great swap eh??
Yup !!
Pretty surprised to see Lovering is transferring. I thought he had finally started to show signs of confidence and improving his offense. GRII’s comments and observations are spot on. I am very curious if this was Tad giving him a bit of a nudge or all Lovering deciding he needed a better fit, different competition level (per GRII’s comments) or maybe he felt he wasn’t getting coached enough on improving his offensive skills. I hope it was Tad nudging him along and that this is what Tad prefers.
I totally agree with GRII, though, that the kid just wasn’t seeming to bulk up and was going to continue to get pushed around, and even get his shots blocked by players several inches shorter than him at times. While he started to show some flash the last 8-10 games of improving he still seems like a project more than a sure contributor and I think his presence often left us playing 4 on 5 offensively and really disrupted the offensive flow overall.
I’m surprised and was looking forward to see if he could improve over the offseason but am not really sure if this is a big loss or not. Looking forward to seeing if we can any insights from Tad or the Buffs beat reporters.
I agree with you as well. The frame is just not filling out, and makes it tough for him to be a consistent threat with the O. I’m not sure the D was great but he was decent on the defensive side. He just gets pushed around a lot. That has to be tough. We will see. I could see him going to a smaller school filling more into his body, and playing with more confidence.
Stu,
Someone has to dig into the background story of why Lovering is leaving. I always felt he would develop into a really fine player, and still think that so this is a big loss. After 2 years to transfer is somewhat odd, especially with the great team chemistry we hear about. What happened, did he he want better coaching and why?, it could be family or personal issues not related to BB, and that’s OK we don’t need to know the details, just that our staff didn’t cause him to want a change.
Next year would have been Joe and Lawson alternating with Joe better on Off and Lawson the king of Def. Diop getting a red shirt year to fill out. Now we will be tight on size again. Help us out as we are concerned.
First of all, I wish LL all the best in his future endeavors, including basketball. I think he may be one of those guys where their body fills out post college (age 23-27), so I can see a basketball future as a possibility.
Lovering transferring does not surprise me that much. This could be a mutual decision too, because I think Tad generally wants to do well by his players–(i.e. where will you develop the best). IMO, LL just did not look PAC12 ready or P65 ready on a daily basis. No doubt, he did have some good games and great moments. IMO, his body has just not bulked up (maybe out) as anticipated, and I did not think that the game slowed down for him much in season two. He does have some nice parts to his game, however most of it is still pretty raw and his body is growing too. At CU, I’m not sure that he was improving to the level that he wanted. Also, if Diop comes in game ready or another big, he could find himself coming off the bench.
Some of leaving can be coaching, some on him, some of it just growth, and also some on the season grind. When I talk about coaching–it works both ways: (1) they coach tailored to your role on the team; and (2) they coach for individual improvement within the team concept. Given LL’s lack of bulk and footwork; that could make the Big-Man drills very difficult. This year, he could not go up and get his shot dominating 1on1 on a consistent basis in the PAC-12. I think his defense was okay, but he did get banged around some. Coaching wise at CU, their focus could be on help defense and some rebounding.
Time will tell, but I think that if LL goes to a smaller school it may be a much much better experience. If he bulks out, he could be a monster. And, if he does not bulk out, I think playing against lesser competition and smaller guys overall will instill more confidence in him, and he probably plays with the ball more, so he can really polish his game. He will learn the footwork against smaller guys. At that level, the coaching could be more offense focused.
Josh Scott was a great buff, but he had a limited ceiling–not really NBA career caliber. I sort of put Evan Battey in this conversation as well. Both had limitations to their game, however both were big and filled out enough to compete night in and night out, without getting beat up or the play taking an overall toll on their body. They could grow in the PAC12. Josh Smith improving his footwork exponentially and just making quick decisive moves made him a CU great. With Battie, it was again footwork but also using his body to hold off defenders for those soft hands. Defensively, they really improved and more than held their own.
I don’t think this is a miss for CU recruiting or LL is a bust, rather his body has not filled out as predicted. We was a highly rated recruit and those rankings predicted him filling out faster. It may just take a few more years for him.
“filling out” will help him prevent being pushed around. I’m just not sure if he will ever be a well rounded ball player. He doesnt seem to have any natural athleticism. Coordination seems to be a problem too.
He had a great game against Utah Valley. Unfortunately I didnt see it. I heard Valley took the Buffs with the 3 so I’m wondering if he had a match up advantage there or actually impressed going against the other competent big guy.
I hope he finds a home where he can succeed and enjoy the game too. I dont think we are going to be any worse off in the paint though, especially if Tristan stays. I will probably jinx it by saying it but maybe Allen will find a way to get in Tad’s good grace and become a contributor. Ditto for Hurlburt. At least the numbers are in favor of the front line next year.
I think each of you touched on valid points. He was the guy I hoped he’d be, against utv. Too bad it was only one great game, but did show promise. His jumper was not pretty, but he hit them and played against their big guy really well. Puzzling move, but as people are saying probably not a huge loss. Hopefully he finds his groove.
Go Buffs
Happy for the lady buffs.
But can’t stop thinking about the turd the men buffs laid on Sunday. Not going to lie I didn’t even know there was an Utah Valley U. And Lovering is leaving. Weird, he was underwhelming IMO given the recruiting ranking, then has a PR game before leaving.
“The On3 Industry Ranking is the most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement in the industry.”
uh huh
If it is it looks like there is a wide open opportunity for someone else.
Wow. Didn’t see that coming.
Go Buffs
COLORADO BASKETBALL
They did it! … CU takes down No. 3 seed Duke on the road
Come Tad……………..You can make it happen………….
20 win seasons are nice. Half the college teams get them each year (maybe 19 ok)
Ya gotta get to like 25 to 28 to really have something.
Roll tad (AAron only one one superbowl in 17 years……………..you got time
Buffs win
Note: I must say, it doesn’t matter which post season it is………………….just can’t past one win…………..and even then not one
Absolutely delighted about the Lady Buffs making the Sweet 16. To think that the oddsmakers had them as 3 point underdogs to MTSU and 7 point underdogs to Duke. Heck last fall before the season began the PAC 12 prediction people had them finishing 8th in the conference!!. Go Ladies…Beat the Hawkeyes on Friday evening!!
Yup,
Big fan. So happy for them.
Well when you get to the 16 gonna be some good teams.
Hawkeyes are amazing. Got a really really good player.
Rooting for them mighty buffs,………….high expectations
But why not.
“IT’S TO LATE TO TURN BACK NOW
I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE IN THE MIGHTY LADY BUFFS (cb and sr)
Nice win by the lady buffs. Vk and prime, shoulder to shoulder.
Yep. Definitely trolling.
Go Buffs
Shoulder to Shoulder
VK and Prime
Cruising in the Winners lane.
Go Big Prime
No question the committee stiffed the buff ladies even with the loss to wsu 5 seed who got kicked out the first round in the ncaa. Buffs should have had that seed, actually should have had the 4. No name recognition like stanford which lost 3 games at the end and still got a 1 seed. But now bye bye.
I need to get on these committees so they will be fair
Go lady buffs…………dukey win would be great Iowa? no chance
Now the get #3 and if they duke the dukeys they get #2 iowa.
So the boy Buffs go down again with no shooters. Historic.
No zone, No offense = best Buff BB coach ever.
Roll Tad.
Note: One year with the #1 recruit coming up.
Bummer of a loss. But if that is the Lawson we will see consistently next season? I’ll take it. Get the 15’ jumper and add the sky hook touch, and the kid will be dangerous.
Go Buffs
Like I said earlier, KJ is a better player but JH makes the team better. I’m betting they get a win tonight.
Was hoping we didnt have face New Mexico and now I’m sorry we arent. First time I ever heard of Utah Valley so I checked their schedule. They lost a couple of games to other teams I never heard of but they were 2 out of 3 when facing D1. They beat Oregon and whacked BYU by 15 but lost to Boise like the Buffs did. They have one scoring machine and a couple other double digit scorers so the Tad D is going to have be functioning at a high level and once again hope the O takes care of itself.
This is really nice.
Go Buffs.
Make a run eh?
Welp women get a 6 seed. No Brand name……………..get bumped by committee.
Welp men suck in a 2 seed in the NIT. Greatest (winningest) coach in CU history does it again.
Go buffs.
Note: CU Basketball seasons almost done. Great. On to track and field/lacosse
nice try earache but you nor I and probably no one in here knows how Tad conducts practice or how bad Allen’s practice habits are. My take is…and this is speculation too, is that Allen’s skills dont fit Tad’s systems…such as they are…and Allen’s skills are obviously predominately on the offensive side.
Your pal Rooney is around the team a lot. I trust his perspective more than yours.
Go Buffs
I dont
Me Neither.
Go Buffs.
Note: Rooney gets as much time “around” the BB team as Howell does “around” the FB team…………………..Not much
Of course you don’t. You’re the wisest guy you know.
Go Buffs
dredge up a Rooney report when he goes into specifics in a Boyle practice. I have never seen a Rooney report that does but the only ones I read are the ones Stuart sees fit to post.
hmmmm
I know an earache so yur right
Go Buffs
Last regular season game of the year and NIque starts to figure it out. Best offensive game of his career, he has the necessary attributes to score on anyone (shoot over smaller guys, drive past bigger guys).
I except attrition after this season….Allen (almost for sure) and maybe KJ??
Hammond had a nice game but needs to improve his athleticism and ball handling to have continued success in the ‘Power5’.
KJ? Based on what?
Damn shame about Allen. I expect him to leave as well and dont blame him. He was never allowed to develop. I’m sure he rust bound now from sitting on the bench. He could have at least been an asset when a scoring punch of the bench was needed in a lull during several games.
Tad’s statement of “the offense will take care of itself” shows that it doesnt at times during the season.
How do you know that Allen wasn’t allowed to develop? What does that mean? He obviously has not earned the playing time. And lately when he has played because of the injuries he looks clueless. He will move on but through any fault of the coaches.
try and develop without getting on the floor in a game. Then try and imitate someone who has been playing constantly after sitting an entire season. I stand on Tad’s lack of attention to the offense which could easily be part of the problem here.
I know you like the gamer theory. That people can instantly turn it on, without practicing like they play. Yes, they exist. In rare quantity. Maybe you were that guy? Seems to me, there’s one Allen Iverson to hundreds of Kobes, Michaels and Shaqs. I think, granted based more on what we haven’t seen than what we have, QA is very gifted, but doesn’t work at it with his practice habits, so his play is inconsistent, at best. If it weren’t? He’d play. Tad’s shown he plays kids that can play, and that work hard to earn their time. Luke O’Brien is a prime example, for this year. Let’s say Quincy is uber talented, the best on the roster, but doesn’t practice hard (or even learn what they’re teaching for sets, defense, etc.) so Tad doesn’t play him. Would you? How’s that jive with everyone else who works their ass off every day and retains and executes what’s tought?
My hope is that Quincy sticks around, and earns the time. We’ll find out if he does, or not. And, my other hypothesis is that Quincy does actually practice and work hard. But, for whatever reason, it’s just not fully clicking. Some may blame that on coaching. The counter to that though, is that Tad’s proven he can
develop kids, not just take the stars, and roll with how they play, so what’s the disconnect with Quincy? I don’t put that on coaching, based on Tad and co’s body of work for the last 13 years. Sometimes, things just don’t gel.
Go Buffs
Why would kj move on? With him and rj smith, and Julian and Javon, the Buffs’ backcourt is only getting stronger.
Go Buffs
Looking ahead to next year will the Buffs have their first one and done? Wasn’t Billups a 2 and done?
Seriously hoping Tad doesnt freak out playing the 2 freshmen big guys coming in. At last he may have enough help in the paint.
Will De Silva declare for the draft?
My guess is that the UW/CU winner gets an invite to the NIT.
I was impressed by Tad’s flexibility and innovation to use the zone against Utah. The zone is something that he abhors, but he has obviously coached it because they did a very good job. The loss of KJ and the other injuries have decimated their depth so the zone can cut down on the fouls that may occur with man to man.
Stuart, quick question. I don’t fully understand the system for revenue sharing from the NCAA tournament, but I do know they carry over for several years. It looks like USC and UCLA will both be in it this year. After 2024, does money start accruing to the B1G or stay with the PAC?
Good question. Each team which makes the NCAA tournament is awarded a “unit”, and receive another unit each game won through to the Final Four. Those are then doled out (I believe last year it was around $338,000 per unit) to the conferences each year over the next six years. I would assume that any units UCLA wins this year will be held by the conference. UCLA and USC will get the benefit of Big Ten units won (unless they are withheld as part their deal to join the Big Ten, but the remaining members of the Pac-12 will benefit in succeeding years from their efforts.
With KJ out for the tourney, the Buffs have a better chance to go deeper into it. KJ is a great individual player but I don’t think that translated to making the team better.
That makes no sense. Their depth is decimated. Losing KJ is a devastating blow when you have to win4 games in 4 days. Plus he’s the second best player on the team.
You can have great individual players but unless they make the team better the team will always just be mediocre. You just have to look at the Olympics and see how the 10 best players in the world on the same team don’t always win, it is a team game.
George Gervin comes to mind. Didnt he lead the NBA in scoring for several years? I dont think his team (San Antonio?) ever won a title. Carmelo Anthony was another example. He had more success on his teams but still no title. He was always a shoot first pass maybe guy.
some folks just arent team players. Some fans of them may have been hall monitors in high school
thinking the same thing. Did Tad find the best chemistry on the floor by accident? KJ and de Silva coming off the bench would be utilizing the depth more efficiently if the rest of the guys can keep playing like they did yesterday.
Well that was a disappointment for the women.
Now gotta wait for the seed . the real seed.
The current projections,
No longer a 4 but a 5………….heading to Austin
UCLA took that 4 spot
Note: Utah loses a game………….moved to a 2 seed……………..Stanford loses 2 games…………..still a one.
Reputation.
So Very Nice
Lady Buffs Win.
WSU upsets the Utes.
WSU played Buffs twice. Buffs win both.
But
WSU played em tough at coors a couple of weeks ago.
Win gets probable chance against the Tree again
Make it so
Lady Buffs are Buff Basketball
This is just a question: Why is Lovering playing so much ?
This is post- UCLA game. He can’t catch a ball (dropped several passes) This has been a persistent flaw. He trips over his own feet. He’s 7’1″ and hasn’t scored more than 10 points but one time. He has a low assist average. He can rebound however, even those numbers are low for a 7’1″ center.
Look, Tad…………….He looks like a really nice kid but doesn’t deserve more than 10 min playing time and those minutes should only be in reserve. This is about winning. Feelings and emotions be damned.
You have some pretty tall kids….at least one should be able to have better results.
Just sayin’.
I don’t know. I cringe every time Lovering touches the ball. He is a turnover waiting to happen, and a cringe-worthy free throw shooter.
It was one thing last year as he was a clumsy skinny freshman, but there should have bene progress this season …
I actually thought today he was growing into his frame. And he made two, count em two, clutch free throws. If he gets a sky hook and 15’ jumper down, he could be lethal.
Go Buffs
if…….
doesnt seem likely with his less than desirable athleticism. This is too tough to put a positive spin on.
With him on the floor the rest of the team is playing short handed….or even worse when he is a liability most of the time.
Last time I looked the PAC, let alone the selection committee, didnt hand out participation ribbons.
Its tough for me to understand that Allen or even Hurlburt is worse.
Quote: He could be lethal.
The problem being….he’s not. He’s had 2 full seasons to display any talent (He hasn’t). Best hit the books.
On the bright side there’s still time for Lovering. We all knew going in that losing Battey and Walker would leave a glaring hole on the boards. But when you think of Tad’s teams and tall guys (6’10” or more), we’ve seldom been dynamic. Josh Scott of course was a very notable exception. Lucas Siewert, who I viewed more as a tall forward than a true post certainly had nice moments too. But Ben Mills, Harris-Tunks, Dallas Walton*, who gets an asterisk for being an injury warrior, never consistently got off the ground.
Our basketball 🏀 ball sucks.. If I had this job long enough I would have been fired.. Make sweet 16 or Elite 8 no complaints.. Time for a change.. can’t hit 3s can’t go on..Where’s the beef?
Yup. In the words of Charles Barkley, the Buffs are “turrible” this season. Turnovers, missed free throws and inconsistent play have been a staple.
Fire Tad Boyle? Not a chance.
I wrote this piece last year, “The Golden Age of CU Basketball – The Tad Boyle Era” … which was written, of course, before Coach Boyle became the winningest coach in Colorado history.
Yes, I remember reading that.. Just like the old song.. “Frustrated In Corporate-rated””.. Long winter lots of shoveling.. Thank you for cuatthegame.. tap in ever day .. Go Buffs
And yes. I missed the women’s game. Just like I missed every single one while Ceal and co were killing it from 88-93. Today’s game sounded like a good one. Tough loss.
Go Buffs
Best thing about that game is Deion was there. Not sure if he stayed to the bitter end though.
Go Buffs
That ballo dude ain’t bad, for a lil guy.
I would love to see tad recruit kids like that.
Go Buffs
Another nightmare matchup. AZ has a 6’11” and 7 foot guy up front who are the leading scorers. Maybe this afternoon Tad can organize a seance before the game for Lovering to channel Bill Russell. High heel sneakers for Tristan?
Better be hitting the 3s today.
Shock me Buffs. Make me fall on the floor with amazement. Bring back the Tennessee effort. AZ will be looking way past this one.
The end of the season is lining up to be special for the Lady Buffs. They have 4 winnable games that could put them high in the rankings going into the NCAA Tournament. Currently sitting as a 4th seed, could very well be a 3rd or 2nd seed if they win out. They are also in a good position to make some serious noise in the PAC-12 Tournament.
Jaylon Sherrod is a true beast on defense….she is adept at ripping the ball away from opponents without fouling and she literally will take over the game on the offensive side of the ball when the game is on the line. Freida Foreman has become the 3 point threat we have been waiting for the last 2 years.
Please consider going to the Sanford game at 3pm on the 23rd. We need all the fans that we can cram into the CEC for that game. Should be alot of fun.
GO LADY BUFFS!!!!! WIN, WIN WIN!!!!
You voters who voted “sorry” should be ashamed of yourselves, and call yourselves “part-time” Buff fans. Now if you live out of state, all is forgiven.
These ladies make the men look like high school players.
“sorry” it is just how it is
Go Prime Ladies
Holy Moly,
The coveted 4 seed has arrived.
Tough to hold on too.
gotta keep that slot in the pac 12 champ
and win 3 out of the next 4 before
Woman…..5 seed
Is it possible to get to the promised land of a 4 seed?
Home site for the first two rounds ……………..holy moly
4 regular season left
@asu 1st game forfeited by asu due to players illness zero pac wins
@ asu ranked higher than buffs. but behind them in the standings. Buffs need this win to solidify position. Buffs beat them at home when they were #14
the final week Stanford comes to town. Stanford pounded the Buffs. But now in Boulder. A win would be really really great. We will see.
then cal to end it.
Go lady Buffs
Pac 12 tourney has really good teams and will be a tough haul for all the teams
Nightmare matchup for Tad ball. Most of the Utes looked like middle linebackers. Kinda tough to move em in the paint for a rebound. Plus they had a big guy in the middle who could play. I’m shocked the Buffs actually managed 62 points. I turned it off halfway thru the second half. The offense consisted only of some perimeter passing until someone decided to attack the rim for a forced shot or take an outside shot. Zero movement designed to free someone up for an open shot.
Tad will never be fired but will he retire before he pays any attention to the offense?
Average again.. Where’s The Beef? And the beef needs a little more than a 2 inch vertical.. Tads BBall has never been great.. Our football was so bad it made BBall look great.. Ramp it up, losing to new coaches not good…
Women win again,
What a gutsy come from behind.
Good team effort.
Key is they have a couple of go to players when the game is on the line
Sherrod……………….Buffs men need her
go lady buffs
Saw Jabari on TV last night, he is starting to look like a man and is filling out without losing his bounce. Still should have stayed one more year, but need to eat my words that he wouldn’t make it in the NBA (3 and D PF…the game has evolved).
Her we go
6 games left
middle of the pac
fighting to get a first round bye
every year deal
jellybeanbuffs a go go
I have enjoyed watching Coach JR Payne rejuvenate this program from squat/ a perennial PAC-12 punching bag into a legitimate PAC-12 title contender. They now have the foundation in place to contend for the title on a yearly basis, it took 7 years to build this program. But it has been a steady climb to the top.
If the games are not televised, you can watch by going to CUBuffs.com, click on Sports then Women’s Basketball. From there click schedule then scrolled down to the game and click on Watch. These are live broadcast and are not archived.
They have a sophomore center Aaronette Vonleh who is a beast in the middle and playing along side Quay Miller, both have forged a strong inside game. Guard play is pretty intense on D and the offense of Jaylon Sherrod, Freida Foreman, Kyndall Wetta, Tayanna Jones, Tamieya Sadler and Jada Pinkett……..it like who is going to step for this game.
I encourage my fellow CU at the Gamers to take a peak @WBB. I don’t think you will be disappointed. By the way, Stanford comes to town Thursday 2/23 for a 3pm tipoff. Should be a fun one!!
Yes those Lady Buffs are top notch. Small but aggressive crowds. Amazing how loud 2500 people can be in the “coors center” ep and az if you ever get to one of those games and walk in and see the crowd, don’t be fooled. Make sure you have your ol people earplugs in.
Go arse-kicking buffs.
Note: Now projected as a 6 seed. So so so much better than a 7 seed. Goal is to get to a 5th seed. easier path.
Note 2: Actually getting the 4th seed (highly impossible ) to host first two rounds is the real deal
Note 3: 6 games to go then the pac tourney. The washingtons here this weekend. Then off to the arizonas next next then stan-cal here to finish it up.
Note 4: current standings
https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball-standings
Seems like not long after Payne was hired there was a guy who constantly complained about her maybe not as much in here but a lot in Howell’s question and answer sessions. Probably a helicopter parent. He doesnt look real smart right now either.
Buffs are overdue to emerge from their funk and win this one, which I fully expect them to do…..
but if they dont
they are one game ahead of Stranford and the beaves in the standings and 2 ahead of Cal. They lose this one and they are arguably the worst team in the conference.
Hey the D gave an acceptable performance last night. They held the Beaves to 60 points on 38 percent shooting. Thats the main thing….right?
The only positive happening with the dysfunctional offense right now is that da Silva is making a name for himself with the draft and might not be around next year..
Thankfully Tad has corralled a couple of highly rated big guys who apparently have some mobility and post moves that might fill the da Silva void and more. Of course Tad will have to force himself to play them as freshmen.
That would be the appropriate capper on this incredibly frustrating year, DeSilva playing himself into the draft.
Only saw the highlites but VK is right. The women are badazz. Maybe Tad could use some Payne or even Prime pointers
same every year
almost good
Go big Tad
“We really got on them at halftime and challenged them,” Boyle said. “Boy did they respond. Our defense in the second half really cranked up.”
Tad will always be a one trick pony.
Thankfully de Silva put this one in the win column but that just exposes the offense as well. KJ will always get a decent amount of points but there was basically nothing from the rest of the team.
And As far as defense goes Hurlburt and Allen must just stand and watch on D in practice. Thats why Tad never puts them on the floor. Hard for me to believe. Lovering got zero points, a measly 2 rebounds, 3 turnovers and I dont think he played half the game.
Love KJ. But the team goes as far as he goes, by and large. The future remains bright, in my eyes, despite what appears so far to be an underperforming season for this team.
Could we see a run and a stellar tourney? Why not?
Go Buffs
Making the NIT would be significant for this group… kinda humbling too assuming they can even make a run
Would be fun if they won the pac 12 tourney though. I sure wouldn’t bet on that, but would be fun!
Go Buffs
Women are looking good.
BIG BIG TEST SUNDAY 3PM PAC-12 NETWORKS …………..STANFORD RAKED #4
Go Buff Ladies
Note: during that time
one tv on golf
one tv on football
one tv on the Buff Ladies
Dont fall asleep watching the golf TV. Or if you are inclined make sure you are recording the other 2
Looking at the top 25
amazing how few east coast schools
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings
Sheesh
Forget the boys
You wanna see winning basketball
Watch the girls
Tied for first in the pac
5-1 conference
14-3 over all
Projected 8 seed in the dance
will be ranked in the top 25 this week.
Lady Prime Buffs.
Note: If you haven’t seen them, in person or on the tube, you should. This is a well coached team. Nice to see a Colorado basketball team that is an defensive and OFFENSIVE team
God that was painful to watch….the entire game. First of all the reffing was hideous. It threw both teams out of sync. The only reason the Buffs stayed in the game until halfway through the second half was because the Bruins, except for Jacquez, couldn’t hit a bull in the ass with a base fiddle. (and it wasn’t because of the Buff’s D) And the only reason the Bruins stayed in the game was because Buffs had nada, squat, zero D that could handle Jacquez in the paint. Which brings me to Lovering. Hate to pick on the guy but he seems to coast on his size. Even at 7′ you gotta box out at times. Even at 7′ you have to leave your feet some times to block or even alter a shot. Can he even get 6 inches off the floor? Why was he a 4 star? because he played in the least populated state in the country?
So the Bruins came out of their funk with around 7 or 8 minutes to play and the buffs decided to go in the other direction. Guys were standing around like they were looking at their phones while the poor ball handler who picked up his dribble was unable to find a pass….and the crappy lazy blind passing led to 23 turnovers…most of em anyway. Also led to a basket full of forced middle school shots in the second half out of frustration.
arrrghhhh
These kids need blood in their teeth and ice in their veins especially when adversity hits….and maybe a few more time outs to get their heads back on straight.
Damn. They were in that one. Until they weren’t.
Interesting to hear one of the commentators say tad told them in their pre game debriefs, he thinks this team is a year away.
So do I.
Go Buffs
of course you do. There is always a chance Tad may want a refi or heloc…right?
Doesnt matter what you and I think and even if its true that was a worthless thing for Tad to say. Its the second time that I have read he has publicly throw the players under the bus. Is he waiting for some kind of reverse psychological event to take place? like getting them pissed off to work harder?
Coaching is definitely part of the problem here and Tad is also covering his butt.
Oregon spanked Arizona. It’s a messy conference. If only coaching 18-23yr olds was easy.
Go Buffs
The PAC is not an easy conference.
GET USED TO IT.
Thank God for 5280
As much as i likeTB I don’t think he brings in the type of recruit to compete in the Big 12. Sure there are some good teams in The Pac 12 but up and down it’s not Big12. No problem with a defense first and rebounding but you have to have exceptional athletes that are willing to sacrifice the rock and I’m not sure that is todays college athlete.
Wishing him the best but writing may be on the wall in the next couple of years
prayers answered?
Williams and Diop coming. 2 big front line potential scoring machines. Of course Tad will have to teach em D
Sacre Merde!
I may have to take back what I said about the dance.
7-10 WSU just beat AZ by 13.
If Tad can find the answer when the Buffs dont donner un merde the conference may be there for the taking. Dont look over your shoulder UCLA
Sacre Merde! isn’t a thing, you can either say Sacre Bleu! or just plain Merde! (also it’s une merde)
doesn’t mean holy s–t?
Moi Francaise est de annee 1963
forget your sock drawer, we need to put you in charge of the Buff’s locker room
So there’s what, three solid teams atop the Pac 12. Then a jumbled mess in the middle. Also a bottom dweller or two.
Going to be a wild ride into March madness. Won’t be surprised if the Buffs make another solid run late. Hopefully it’s enough.
Go Buffs
I had high hopes for this team…not any more. They might get their act together and go on a streak but games like this are just groundhog day let downs. Wont bet a dime on the dance (or NIT).
Taking Tad at his own words he focuses almost entirely on D and rebounding saying at least once the offense will take care of itself. They both live and die off each other. Too many TOs and the defense has to work harder than it should. Lazy D and increased pressure on the O to keep up.
Making matters worse on O is Tad’s perennial guard heavy roster. Right now the only threat we have to score in the Paint is da Silva. When the Buffs have to face an athletic big guy front line he is going to have a tough time.
Which brings me to Quincy Allen. 6’8″ with serious hops and supposedly a serious scoring threat. Is he that bad and a bust? He cant even get on the floor in garbage time. Does he have a lingering illness?
These guys give Tennessee, ranked No 7, one of their only 2 losses. They can do it. But when they lose to a dreg like Cal WTF? Is the motivation there?
Of course I’m just a twitter point guard/coach (not even on twitter) but just trying to figure out what is wrong here. Too many conflicting things from where I sit. Will the Buffs continue to be a mediocre team or will Tad find a solution? Is it all on the players? dont think so. Cue earache with his sarcastic fire Tad post.
Every year without exception and sometimes twice the MBB team gets this headline.
After Cal meltdown, season at crossroads for Colorado men’s basketball
It’s a trademark.
Go Buffs