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2025-26 CU Men's Basketball

Game against the Boomers airs live at 2:30 AM on ESPN+

The team has 4 guys with NBA experience, and their point guard is Dash Daniels, younger brother of Dyson Daniels and only 17
 



Could only find boomer highlights- buffs kept it tight throughout pretty much within a point or two. This Boomers roster has Jack McVeigh who was 29 played at Nebraska brief summer league stint, Reyne Smith, fresh off a 13 ppg season at Louisville, 5 other players off summer league stints leading the way. Proud of our buffs.

This game Isaiah Johnson with 19! Jalin Holland another good game! These freshman guards are showing out.
 
Watched the game. Boomers had some good players with lots of experience, men against largely late teens. Quite physical play by both teams, Buffs got after it pretty good. I'm naturally optimistic so take my observations with a grain of salt and based on one game but this team would definitely beat last years team. Enouraging to see, the elite B12 teams will beat us but I think they'll be fun to watch them develop over the season.
We have offensive potential, D needs to tighten up but No rim protection (Dak will help that) We team rebound well. Rancik will be the opponents focus but we have other options. Johnson was impressive - I had assumed he was a RS candidate but he is poised, quick, confident. Holland looked good. As far as a rotation I would guess Van Elswyk (RS? or is he needed for a thin frontcourt), Craword, Mani are the odd men out but they are not stiffs. Sanders had rough game but I see the potential. We should play 8-10 guys and pressure and run. I think they'll be fun to watch, they may just be too young to surpass #13 preseason B12 ranking.
 
Watched the game. Boomers had some good players with lots of experience, men against largely late teens. Quite physical play by both teams, Buffs got after it pretty good. I'm naturally optimistic so take my observations with a grain of salt and based on one game but this team would definitely beat last years team. Enouraging to see, the elite B12 teams will beat us but I think they'll be fun to watch them develop over the season.
We have offensive potential, D needs to tighten up but No rim protection (Dak will help that) We team rebound well. Rancik will be the opponents focus but we have other options. Johnson was impressive - I had assumed he was a RS candidate but he is poised, quick, confident. Holland looked good. As far as a rotation I would guess Van Elswyk (RS? or is he needed for a thin frontcourt), Craword, Mani are the odd men out but they are not stiffs. Sanders had rough game but I see the potential. We should play 8-10 guys and pressure and run. I think they'll be fun to watch, they may just be too young to surpass #13 preseason B12 ranking.
I've also thought with retention (maybe a pipe dream) our 26-27 team could be real good

Hargress- Sr.
Sanders: Soph
Holland: Soph
Rancik: Jr
Dak: Sr

then Johnson, Kossaras, Tacko, Inman as bench. That could be a dang good team.
 
Anyone have an idea when game time for that Stanford game in Phoenix on 12/20 will be announced?
 

Some observations & thoughts on early returns from this year:
- May give Holland over Kossaras the early favorite to start at 2. Based on: Holland was in at 3 over Kossaras in the final minutes of game over Boomers.
- Johnson may make it hard for Tad to redshirt him this year, as looking like better back-up point over Sanders or Crawford (Drew did get recruited, with understanding from Tad that he would have chance to earn minutes at 1). I wrote earlier post here about strong a year Isiah J had, already had advanced O-bag, but took it to another level in multiple 30+ point games versus elite competition at camps. NBA trainer dad, including Isiah practicing against NBA guys, has probably improved his toughness more than anyone could have guessed. But he also knows that getting stronger is his main path to the next level. If Tad lets him have final say on redshirt or not, like Tad usually does, I may have given him 50/50 odds to redshirt anyways. But he likely chooses to play now, after he sees he's already 1 of leaders on team?
-Sanders outside shot & creation-ability may not be showing up right out of the gate, but his bully-ball/mid-range games could be primary scoring option off the bench?
-I've said since they've been recruiting Inman that he may be best perimeter wing defender from jump, which seems to be the case. He's also only player on roster that listed as G/F - which also seems to confirm he may get most of his minutes at 3? His outside shooting has really improved the last 1-2 years in HS, so that maybe second skill that keeps him in rotation. He also loves opencourt play, so see him helping pace of second unit alot!
- Sanders played mostly point (based on who took ball out after made hoops versus Boomers), with Kossaras taking the ball up at Pt a few times also. Assuming Johnson played point during times we didn't see highlights of him as much. Though in final minutes it was: Hargress at 1; Johnson at 2; and Holland at 3.
-Got to believe Kossaras wil have big role, probably at all of 1-3 spots, but it seems that he may mostly get minutes at 2, assuming he shoots better than frosh? Good rebounding from guards so far also, with Sanders and Holland both have 7 board games. Kossaras & Inman both showed maybe even more consistency on boards?
-Since Tad says he's always looking at how best to create mismatches with his rotations, but he also consistently: likes to go big at times, like's to go small at times (usually at least 5 minutes of small-ball from bench in both halfs, with best mis-matches playing the final 5 minutes of both halfs), and loves to have his second team push pace even more than paced starters. So Big frontcourt to start with Rancik/Dak/Malone? Then Tacko & 4 guards for much of bench time? Probably rotates Rancik and Dak back in at 4 & 5 plenty too, Rancik's recent increase to 6'11 on roster may boost his confidence to play at 5, including he played at 5 in Australia. Thought probably can't read into that too much, with lack of size in Australia. A couple years ago, Tad said he was returning to practice of letting his players choose to wear shoes/socks- multiple pairs of socks?- so they essentially have final say on their heights. So not surprised with a lot of guys changes on roster Including ex-runner up for Colorado play of year/ CU's sole Walk-on/Randal going from 6'8 last year to 6'6 briefly, then back to being listed at 6'8? Heights may reflect more how player wants others to see him for future roles/next level? Ie: Drew Crawford going up to 6'8 may reflect that he's more open to be seen as wing than PtG/W?
-Tad seemed mildly surprised that Van Elswik seemed able to show his good mobility on perimeter, shooting, and over-all fluidity against good competition, maybe earlier than Tad expected? Final game, versus Sydney Kings that were missing their 2 best guys to Boomers at Asian Cup, were still team full of grown men, including a lot of high-level ex-US college guys. Tad said most "physical D-1 game" he's been involved with, in all of his years. Said that game may be preview of Big12 referees allowing serious contact, and we seemed to have hung with them for most of game- until collapse at end of game (see Kings web site). So it seems that thing we lacked most Down Under was size on front-line and over-all toughness and physicality. Gotta think Tad used final roster spot to shore that up? Or maybe Tad keeps that spot open, for any late signees that become available after season starts? He's mentioned it also saves money to not use all 15 spots.
- Beyond how Tad manages lack of true forwards on roster, I'm most curious to see how 4 guards 6'6-6'8 (Inman, Kossaras, Crawford, Mani) find role or may be most likely to move on? First 3 may not only play as 3rd guard, but may even have to defend 4-spot in occasional 4 guard line-ups? Mani not scrub: 3pt & tough?
 

Some observations & thoughts on early returns from this year:
- May give Holland over Kossaras the early favorite to start at 2. Based on: Holland was in at 3 over Kossaras in the final minutes of game over Boomers.
- Johnson may make it hard for Tad to redshirt him this year, as looking like better back-up point over Sanders or Crawford (Drew did get recruited, with understanding from Tad that he would have chance to earn minutes at 1). I wrote earlier post here about strong a year Isiah J had, already had advanced O-bag, but took it to another level in multiple 30+ point games versus elite competition at camps. NBA trainer dad, including Isiah practicing against NBA guys, has probably improved his toughness more than anyone could have guessed. But he also knows that getting stronger is his main path to the next level. If Tad lets him have final say on redshirt or not, like Tad usually does, I may have given him 50/50 odds to redshirt anyways. But he likely chooses to play now, after he sees he's already 1 of leaders on team?
-Sanders outside shot & creation-ability may not be showing up right out of the gate, but his bully-ball/mid-range games could be primary scoring option off the bench?
-I've said since they've been recruiting Inman that he may be best perimeter wing defender from jump, which seems to be the case. He's also only player on roster that listed as G/F - which also seems to confirm he may get most of his minutes at 3? His outside shooting has really improved the last 1-2 years in HS, so that maybe second skill that keeps him in rotation. He also loves opencourt play, so see him helping pace of second unit alot!
- Sanders played mostly point (based on who took ball out after made hoops versus Boomers), with Kossaras taking the ball up at Pt a few times also. Assuming Johnson played point during times we didn't see highlights of him as much. Though in final minutes it was: Hargress at 1; Johnson at 2; and Holland at 3.
-Got to believe Kossaras wil have big role, probably at all of 1-3 spots, but it seems that he may mostly get minutes at 2, assuming he shoots better than frosh? Good rebounding from guards so far also, with Sanders and Holland both have 7 board games. Kossaras & Inman both showed maybe even more consistency on boards?
-Since Tad says he's always looking at how best to create mismatches with his rotations, but he also consistently: likes to go big at times, like's to go small at times (usually at least 5 minutes of small-ball from bench in both halfs, with best mis-matches playing the final 5 minutes of both halfs), and loves to have his second team push pace even more than paced starters. So Big frontcourt to start with Rancik/Dak/Malone? Then Tacko & 4 guards for much of bench time? Probably rotates Rancik and Dak back in at 4 & 5 plenty too, Rancik's recent increase to 6'11 on roster may boost his confidence to play at 5, including he played at 5 in Australia. Thought probably can't read into that too much, with lack of size in Australia. A couple years ago, Tad said he was returning to practice of letting his players choose to wear shoes/socks- multiple pairs of socks?- so they essentially have final say on their heights. So not surprised with a lot of guys changes on roster Including ex-runner up for Colorado play of year/ CU's sole Walk-on/Randal going from 6'8 last year to 6'6 briefly, then back to being listed at 6'8? Heights may reflect more how player wants others to see him for future roles/next level? Ie: Drew Crawford going up to 6'8 may reflect that he's more open to be seen as wing than PtG/W?
-Tad seemed mildly surprised that Van Elswik seemed able to show his good mobility on perimeter, shooting, and over-all fluidity against good competition, maybe earlier than Tad expected? Final game, versus Sydney Kings that were missing their 2 best guys to Boomers at Asian Cup, were still team full of grown men, including a lot of high-level ex-US college guys. Tad said most "physical D-1 game" he's been involved with, in all of his years. Said that game may be preview of Big12 referees allowing serious contact, and we seemed to have hung with them for most of game- until collapse at end of game (see Kings web site). So it seems that thing we lacked most Down Under was size on front-line and over-all toughness and physicality. Gotta think Tad used final roster spot to shore that up? Or maybe Tad keeps that spot open, for any late signees that become available after season starts? He's mentioned it also saves money to not use all 15 spots.
- Beyond how Tad manages lack of true forwards on roster, I'm most curious to see how 4 guards 6'6-6'8 (Inman, Kossaras, Crawford, Mani) find role or may be most likely to move on? First 3 may not only play as 3rd guard, but may even have to defend 4-spot in occasional 4 guard line-ups? Mani not scrub: 3pt & tough?
I said when I watched a little of Van Elswik’s tape, that he’s a legit 7 footer with a good stroke, and he moves well.

With weight room and coaching, he can become a decent player
 

Some observations & thoughts on early returns from this year:
- May give Holland over Kossaras the early favorite to start at 2. Based on: Holland was in at 3 over Kossaras in the final minutes of game over Boomers.
- Johnson may make it hard for Tad to redshirt him this year, as looking like better back-up point over Sanders or Crawford (Drew did get recruited, with understanding from Tad that he would have chance to earn minutes at 1). I wrote earlier post here about strong a year Isiah J had, already had advanced O-bag, but took it to another level in multiple 30+ point games versus elite competition at camps. NBA trainer dad, including Isiah practicing against NBA guys, has probably improved his toughness more than anyone could have guessed. But he also knows that getting stronger is his main path to the next level. If Tad lets him have final say on redshirt or not, like Tad usually does, I may have given him 50/50 odds to redshirt anyways. But he likely chooses to play now, after he sees he's already 1 of leaders on team?
-Sanders outside shot & creation-ability may not be showing up right out of the gate, but his bully-ball/mid-range games could be primary scoring option off the bench?
-I've said since they've been recruiting Inman that he may be best perimeter wing defender from jump, which seems to be the case. He's also only player on roster that listed as G/F - which also seems to confirm he may get most of his minutes at 3? His outside shooting has really improved the last 1-2 years in HS, so that maybe second skill that keeps him in rotation. He also loves opencourt play, so see him helping pace of second unit alot!
- Sanders played mostly point (based on who took ball out after made hoops versus Boomers), with Kossaras taking the ball up at Pt a few times also. Assuming Johnson played point during times we didn't see highlights of him as much. Though in final minutes it was: Hargress at 1; Johnson at 2; and Holland at 3.
-Got to believe Kossaras wil have big role, probably at all of 1-3 spots, but it seems that he may mostly get minutes at 2, assuming he shoots better than frosh? Good rebounding from guards so far also, with Sanders and Holland both have 7 board games. Kossaras & Inman both showed maybe even more consistency on boards?
-Since Tad says he's always looking at how best to create mismatches with his rotations, but he also consistently: likes to go big at times, like's to go small at times (usually at least 5 minutes of small-ball from bench in both halfs, with best mis-matches playing the final 5 minutes of both halfs), and loves to have his second team push pace even more than paced starters. So Big frontcourt to start with Rancik/Dak/Malone? Then Tacko & 4 guards for much of bench time? Probably rotates Rancik and Dak back in at 4 & 5 plenty too, Rancik's recent increase to 6'11 on roster may boost his confidence to play at 5, including he played at 5 in Australia. Thought probably can't read into that too much, with lack of size in Australia. A couple years ago, Tad said he was returning to practice of letting his players choose to wear shoes/socks- multiple pairs of socks?- so they essentially have final say on their heights. So not surprised with a lot of guys changes on roster Including ex-runner up for Colorado play of year/ CU's sole Walk-on/Randal going from 6'8 last year to 6'6 briefly, then back to being listed at 6'8? Heights may reflect more how player wants others to see him for future roles/next level? Ie: Drew Crawford going up to 6'8 may reflect that he's more open to be seen as wing than PtG/W?
-Tad seemed mildly surprised that Van Elswik seemed able to show his good mobility on perimeter, shooting, and over-all fluidity against good competition, maybe earlier than Tad expected? Final game, versus Sydney Kings that were missing their 2 best guys to Boomers at Asian Cup, were still team full of grown men, including a lot of high-level ex-US college guys. Tad said most "physical D-1 game" he's been involved with, in all of his years. Said that game may be preview of Big12 referees allowing serious contact, and we seemed to have hung with them for most of game- until collapse at end of game (see Kings web site). So it seems that thing we lacked most Down Under was size on front-line and over-all toughness and physicality. Gotta think Tad used final roster spot to shore that up? Or maybe Tad keeps that spot open, for any late signees that become available after season starts? He's mentioned it also saves money to not use all 15 spots.
- Beyond how Tad manages lack of true forwards on roster, I'm most curious to see how 4 guards 6'6-6'8 (Inman, Kossaras, Crawford, Mani) find role or may be most likely to move on? First 3 may not only play as 3rd guard, but may even have to defend 4-spot in occasional 4 guard line-ups? Mani not scrub: 3pt & tough?
All that to say, 14 win ceiling.

And before everyone gets weird, I'll be sitting right there every night to cheer them on.
 
And before everyone gets weird, I'll be sitting right there every night to cheer them on.

Bill Murray GIF by Groundhog Day
 

Some observations & thoughts on early returns from this year:
- May give Holland over Kossaras the early favorite to start at 2. Based on: Holland was in at 3 over Kossaras in the final minutes of game over Boomers.
- Johnson may make it hard for Tad to redshirt him this year, as looking like better back-up point over Sanders or Crawford (Drew did get recruited, with understanding from Tad that he would have chance to earn minutes at 1). I wrote earlier post here about strong a year Isiah J had, already had advanced O-bag, but took it to another level in multiple 30+ point games versus elite competition at camps. NBA trainer dad, including Isiah practicing against NBA guys, has probably improved his toughness more than anyone could have guessed. But he also knows that getting stronger is his main path to the next level. If Tad lets him have final say on redshirt or not, like Tad usually does, I may have given him 50/50 odds to redshirt anyways. But he likely chooses to play now, after he sees he's already 1 of leaders on team?
-Sanders outside shot & creation-ability may not be showing up right out of the gate, but his bully-ball/mid-range games could be primary scoring option off the bench?
-I've said since they've been recruiting Inman that he may be best perimeter wing defender from jump, which seems to be the case. He's also only player on roster that listed as G/F - which also seems to confirm he may get most of his minutes at 3? His outside shooting has really improved the last 1-2 years in HS, so that maybe second skill that keeps him in rotation. He also loves opencourt play, so see him helping pace of second unit alot!
- Sanders played mostly point (based on who took ball out after made hoops versus Boomers), with Kossaras taking the ball up at Pt a few times also. Assuming Johnson played point during times we didn't see highlights of him as much. Though in final minutes it was: Hargress at 1; Johnson at 2; and Holland at 3.
-Got to believe Kossaras wil have big role, probably at all of 1-3 spots, but it seems that he may mostly get minutes at 2, assuming he shoots better than frosh? Good rebounding from guards so far also, with Sanders and Holland both have 7 board games. Kossaras & Inman both showed maybe even more consistency on boards?
-Since Tad says he's always looking at how best to create mismatches with his rotations, but he also consistently: likes to go big at times, like's to go small at times (usually at least 5 minutes of small-ball from bench in both halfs, with best mis-matches playing the final 5 minutes of both halfs), and loves to have his second team push pace even more than paced starters. So Big frontcourt to start with Rancik/Dak/Malone? Then Tacko & 4 guards for much of bench time? Probably rotates Rancik and Dak back in at 4 & 5 plenty too, Rancik's recent increase to 6'11 on roster may boost his confidence to play at 5, including he played at 5 in Australia. Thought probably can't read into that too much, with lack of size in Australia. A couple years ago, Tad said he was returning to practice of letting his players choose to wear shoes/socks- multiple pairs of socks?- so they essentially have final say on their heights. So not surprised with a lot of guys changes on roster Including ex-runner up for Colorado play of year/ CU's sole Walk-on/Randal going from 6'8 last year to 6'6 briefly, then back to being listed at 6'8? Heights may reflect more how player wants others to see him for future roles/next level? Ie: Drew Crawford going up to 6'8 may reflect that he's more open to be seen as wing than PtG/W?
-Tad seemed mildly surprised that Van Elswik seemed able to show his good mobility on perimeter, shooting, and over-all fluidity against good competition, maybe earlier than Tad expected? Final game, versus Sydney Kings that were missing their 2 best guys to Boomers at Asian Cup, were still team full of grown men, including a lot of high-level ex-US college guys. Tad said most "physical D-1 game" he's been involved with, in all of his years. Said that game may be preview of Big12 referees allowing serious contact, and we seemed to have hung with them for most of game- until collapse at end of game (see Kings web site). So it seems that thing we lacked most Down Under was size on front-line and over-all toughness and physicality. Gotta think Tad used final roster spot to shore that up? Or maybe Tad keeps that spot open, for any late signees that become available after season starts? He's mentioned it also saves money to not use all 15 spots.
- Beyond how Tad manages lack of true forwards on roster, I'm most curious to see how 4 guards 6'6-6'8 (Inman, Kossaras, Crawford, Mani) find role or may be most likely to move on? First 3 may not only play as 3rd guard, but may even have to defend 4-spot in occasional 4 guard line-ups? Mani not scrub: 3pt & tough?

-Love the find by Greer of Alon Michaeli. Needed another combo F to play at 3 & 4 spots! Has a good start on weight of 230 pounds at 19 years old (versus Rancik appears to have went from 210 to 220 this last year). Maybe he joins Johnson & Sanders as primary scoring options off the bench? If Kossaras comes off the bench, as 9th man, he maybe only non-true-Frosh in 2nd Unit (& sometimes Crawford?). Tacko may get varied minutes, depending on match-ups, as 10th man?

-Maybe Michaeli makes redshirting Van Elswik easier? Van Elswik comes in at 245 (like Tacko); doubtful either guy reaches Malone's 270, but not out of question?

-Johnson seems less likely to redshirt w/ his maturity, IQ, & 3pt shot? (maybe w/ Rancik & Holland, top-three 3pt shooter on team? Inman & Kossaras should be good from 3 also? Maybe Michaeli top-6 shooter on team this year? But he may need to develop more lift to not get blocked at 3pt? Maybe Malone & Dak's shooting makes CU 5-OutO really hum? But even pick & roles, & drives from those 2 & Tacko should maintain spacing? Van Elswik already seems to be decent shooter? Sanders shooting should return to form, hopefully this year? Tacko says he has a 3pt shot that keeps improving; but maybe needs time to develop consistency?

-Crawford says he worked hard on 3pt over summer & it improved, but may see limited time as 11th man? Still feel he can develop into play-making wing, like Nique Clifford, if D & 3pt keep improving? Maybe Mani is 2nd Redshirt & most likely to leave after year? Inman's 3&D minutes maybe hard to supplant by those 2 now?

-I like Oliver Hayes first comment of Michaeli's toughness in 1st article below (that I said above seems to be needed skill on team; Tad says O Rbding & Transition D were also lacking in Australia, so hopefully all 3 improve with Michaeli?); also 2nd article below has video of Michaeli's summer highlights on Israeli national team:
 
I feel like CU has chance to finish in Top-10 of Big 12/16, and get NCAA bid? If all things go our way, which we may be due for this year after last year. Yes, we are young and there are so many variables with unknowns. But I just don't trust the transfer portal re-builds of Big12. Tad's system of developing his guys for next level has to keep building it's positive reputation with recruits! And have the occasional year or youth over-performing; which just feels like this could be one of those years! Or I may be eating theses optimistic words? Go Buffs!
Bubble Teams?:
#8: W Virginia- brought in some impressive talent by end of the summer.
#9: CU? Seems like another impressive O team, with chance to make better use of mile-high pace? Comes down to Toughs/D/Rbding AGAIN?

Fall short of Tourney?:
OK-St: with CU may be surprise teams? Built more impressive talent than they're being given credit for.
Cinci: Day Day Thomas suspension really hurts
K-State: PJ Hagerty may lead the conference in scoring
TCU: I do like all the athletic guards and wings that Tad missed on in recruiting on this team, but feels like TCU, K-St, & most likely ASU losing coaches after this year?

 
I feel like CU has chance to finish in Top-10 of Big 12/16, and get NCAA bid? If all things go our way, which we may be due for this year after last year. Yes, we are young and there are so many variables with unknowns. But I just don't trust the transfer portal re-builds of Big12. Tad's system of developing his guys for next level has to keep building it's positive reputation with recruits! And have the occasional year or youth over-performing; which just feels like this could be one of those years! Or I may be eating theses optimistic words? Go Buffs!
Bubble Teams?:
#8: W Virginia- brought in some impressive talent by end of the summer.
#9: CU? Seems like another impressive O team, with chance to make better use of mile-high pace? Comes down to Toughs/D/Rbding AGAIN?

Fall short of Tourney?:
OK-St: with CU may be surprise teams? Built more impressive talent than they're being given credit for.
Cinci: Day Day Thomas suspension really hurts
K-State: PJ Hagerty may lead the conference in scoring
TCU: I do like all the athletic guards and wings that Tad missed on in recruiting on this team, but feels like TCU, K-St, & most likely ASU losing coaches after this year?

Episode 7 Wow GIF by Wrexham AFC

(I'm getting way too much use out of this gif lately)
 
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