The good news is Colorado returns
everybody. The bad news is they return everybody from a team
that went just 4-12 in the conference a year ago. With Richard
Roby’s incredible freshman year and ten seniors on the squad,
expectations are a little higher in Boulder. The frontcourt is
inconsistent at best behind Chris Copeland. Andy Osborn, Julius
Ashby, Glean Eddy, Martane Freeman, Marcus King-Stockton and
Lamont Arrington all have the potential to see an increase in
minutes and a few of them really need to step up in order to add
some consistency and depth up front. Osborn and Ashby are the
two that are true post players and will be looked upon to start
beside Chris Copeland.
Who’s Out:
Brien Mattingly and Keith Smith played in a grand total of two
games, logging three total minutes. If there were any others
leaving these two would hardly deserve a mention, but it proves
the point that everybody of import is returning.
Who’s In:
The team will have a few new chemistry issues with the addition
of junior college transfer Dominique Coleman and incoming
freshman Calvin Williams. Coleman, a 6-4 guard, averaged 27.1
points and 7.2 rebounds last year at Hillsborough (FL) Community
College. Coleman is a scorer and could make an instant impact if
given the opportunity. Williams has a nice shot for a 6-7, 210
pound forward, but it most likely a year away from seeing a lot
of playing time. Walk-ons Kyle Carder, Ryan Dermody and Eric
Perkowski will also be joining the squad.
Who to Watch:
The Buffaloes have quickly become Richard
Roby’s team. As a freshman last year the 6-6 wing averaged 16.0
points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals. The numbers
from behind the arc aren’t great, but the San Bernadino,
California native will fire them up early and often. Avoiding a
sophomore slump is key for Colorado to reach the postseason.
Projected Conference Rank:
Marcus Hall is a solid point guard, Jayson
Obazuaye is an experienced shooting guard, yet isn’t a dynamic
shooter or scorer by any means and Antoine McGee needs to be
more productive off the bench. Team chemistry and experience
won’t be an issue and that should help the Buffaloes pull off a
few close victories. With all that experience, the depth
shouldn’t be a problem, but it will be if none of the frontcourt
players step up and at least become productive on the boards. An
8th place finish in the conference and a trip to the
NIT is a step in the right direction.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected Starting Five:
Marcus Hall, Junior, Guard, 11.2 points per game
Jayson Obazuaye, Senior, Guard, 8.9 points per game
Richard Roby, Sophomore, Forward, 16.0 points per game
Chris Copeland, Senior, Forward, 11.7 points per game
Julius Ashby, Senior, Center, 7.5 points per game
