The Colorado men’s basketball season ended on a bittersweet note after their loss to the No. 2-ranked Houston Cougars in the Big 12 Championship quarterfinals.
While the disappointment of a lackluster season, with a 14-20 record and only three conference wins resulting in a last-place finish in the Big 12, cast a shadow, the team’s resilience was evident as they secured two tournament victories. The Buffs managed to perform better than half of the conference, giving the Cougars one of their toughest matches during their championship run.
Andrej Jakimovski shone in what turned out to be his final collegiate game, scoring a season-high 25 points against Houston, following a similar impressive performance in the opening round against No. 9 seed TCU. Other young players, like guards RJ Smith and Felix Kossaras, exhibited intensity and defensive strength, while fifth-year center Elijah Malone, who had lost his starting position earlier in the season, also showcased improvement in the second round against No. 8 seed West Virginia.
The team seemed to gain momentum as the season concluded, enhancing the feeling of disappointment in their exit. Graduate transfer Trevor Baskin’s emotional reaction as the game clock wound down illustrated the team’s desire to continue competing beyond the conference tournament.
Fortunately, thanks to the connections of athletic director Rick George and the Big 12 with Fox Sports, Tad Boyle received surprising news that his team was invited to the new College Basketball Crown (CBC), a single-elimination tournament set to take place a week after March Madness. As one of five Big 12 teams in the 16-team bracket, the Buffs will face the Villanova Wildcats (19-14, Big East 11-9) on April 1 in Las Vegas.
Boyle expressed excitement about the upcoming CBC, emphasizing the opportunity it provides for seniors and the potential to set the stage for the next season with returning players. Although he acknowledged that the roster may be slightly diminished due to injuries, including senior guard Julian Hammond III and freshman Sebastian Rancik, he remains optimistic about the offseason preparations already underway.
While focused on character and player development, Boyle is also aware of the need to strengthen the roster through recruiting, including possibly tapping into the transfer portal. He aims to recruit committed players while maintaining a traditional coaching approach, emphasizing perseverance and the understanding that success takes time. Boyle’s drive to foster an environment of growth is evident, and even as challenges arise with the NIL landscape, he remains dedicated to the future of Colorado basketball.
