Got a hunch about these Buffs and upcoming Postseason play....

[Eggon]

Caught me a bit by surprise, but I have a very good feeling about this Buffs hoops team, and their potential for both the PAC Tourney and the Dance. Normally this past few years about this time for me and Buffs chances, especially the Dance, not so much.

We should be fine (due respect to a conf foe) round one in the PAC. Now should we find an avenue to get past AZ, which is really a tall order, we have a very decent shot to go far in the Pac Tourney. I like how we match up in conference, and we have significant depth across the court. Buffs are continuing to find their way, despite proper frustration voiced per finding ways to lose close games (me included a few games back . Regardless per PAC, with one win or multiple wins, I anticipate we get our ticket punched for the dance. The math and reasons many have stated already, humbly believe we will be dancing.

Playing at Utah on senior night, and getting that close, this team really has made significant strides since UCLA game, and over course of the season especially AZ game. Buffs have made the Dance multiple times under Tad, but this is the first time under Tad I believe we could actually do some real damage beyond just the invite. We will need the guard play to "keep the wheels on". Although it has been painful at times, as a group guard play is improving, on a frontline dominate team. I anticipate guard play will hold serve on neutral courts in upcoming play, anything beyond that and this team gets even more intriguing.

I suspect this team may just ignite, in a good way, next couple of weeks. With Big Josh and Wes, GK, and perhaps little Josh....Fletch, assisting good things to happen. Per Dance, teams that have not played Big Josh before are going to find his style of play a tough adjustment, awkward, especially how effective he is with both hands. Mentally Josh, and Wes, have arrived. To me play up front is peeking at the right time.

Utah game gave me what I was hoping for short of an unlikely win. Keep this team hungry and focused, and gives Tad their undivided attention for the next few weeks. We were very competitive in a tough environment, and a fair dose of home cookin. We are also healthy, which is a welcome change. Just have a vibe we are about to jell right on time, and surprise some folks outside Colorado.

 

[CVilleBuff]

I have a hunch that we might be "due" for an NCAA Tournament win. But man, historically speaking, our guard play does not bode well. And there's that matter of what happens if we go up 15

 

[Mick Ronson]

i like this team and as well as we board and balanced scoring (3 guys in double figures and 3 more guys in the 6-8 ppg range).....tough matchup for anyone. we do everything pretty well. i will not be surprised to see the Buffs win an NCAA first round game. however, to advocate for the devil...we are 4-5 in our last 9 games. wouldn't call that a complete hot streak.

 

[Eggon]

I have a hunch that we might be "due" for an NCAA Tournament win. But man, historically speaking, our guard play does not bode well. And there's that matter of what happens if we go up 15

Fair concern.

Just got a feeling. Anyway I am in print. Let's get this party started

 

[aghcsm]

This would not be the first time a Buff basketball team with all sorts of potential enters the post-season with high fan hopes that just in the nick of time everything will fall into place and we'll make a tournament run (PAC 12 and/or NCAA). It could happen, but after over 30 games there's been plenty of time to get it right and we're just not there.

Having said that, we're in realistic position for a solid win over WSU and to compete with AZ. I'm not speculating beyond that.

In the NCAAs, we'll be in a realistic position to compete for a first round win, which would make the season a success IMO. (Hey, you take what you can.) If we win the opener, we've got enough talent to probably be competitive in the 2nd round, depending of course on the matchup.

Here's hoping our success in the tournaments will leave the sour taste of Utah, USC etc as a distant memory.

 

[StormTrooper]

I wish I shared your optimism but I have yet to see this team truly close out a game away from the Coors Events Center against tournament level competition.
They were lucky to survive at Stanford and Wazzu, and they blew it against SMU, USC, Oregon State and Utah.
The only times the Buffs won a road game "going away" this year were the first two they played, against sub-par competition in CSU and Auburn.

 

[dyemeduke]

This would not be the first time a Buff basketball team with all sorts of potential enters the post-season with high fan hopes that just in the nick of time everything will fall into place and we'll make a tournament run (PAC 12 and/or NCAA). It could happen, but after over 30 games there's been plenty of time to get it right and we're just not there.

Having said that, we're in realistic position for a solid win over WSU and to compete with AZ. I'm not speculating beyond that.

In the NCAAs, we'll be in a realistic position to compete for a first round win, which would make the season a success IMO. (Hey, you take what you can.) If we win the opener, we've got enough talent to probably be competitive in the 2nd round, depending of course on the matchup.

Here's hoping our success in the tournaments will leave the sour taste of Utah, USC etc as a distant memory.

I agree with you that an NCAA win is considered a success, but after the first game against a solid ISU team, I got pretty optimistic about this team. In spite of yesterday's collapse (as well as Utah rd 1, USC, OSU, etc), I see a solid team on the court, and that's what I feel a little let down by. At the start of the season, when he had yet to see what they'd be like without Ski, making the NCAA was expectation with a first round win making it a good year. I honestly feel this team has the ability to make the S16 though with decent matchups. CU in the S16... ...opportunities like that don't come by too often, so while I still really like this team, I feel slightly underwhelmed by what could have been - but who knows, hopefully the OP is right and my anxiety over the team is worthless.

 

[OsideBuff]

I agree with you that an NCAA win is considered a success, but after the first game against a solid ISU team, I got pretty optimistic about this team. In spite of yesterday's collapse (as well as Utah rd 1, USC, OSU, etc), I see a solid team on the court, and that's what I feel a little let down by. At the start of the season, when he had yet to see what they'd be like without Ski, making the NCAA was expectation with a first round win making it a good year. I honestly feel this team has the ability to make the S16 though with decent matchups. CU in the S16... ...opportunities like that don't come by too often, so while I still really like this team, I feel slightly underwhelmed by what could have been - but who knows, hopefully the OP is right and my anxiety over the team is worthless.

Don't see it. Team is horrible at closing and that is what tournament ball is all about.

 

[Shldr2Shldr]

Don't see it. Team is horrible at closing and that is what tournament ball is all about.

huh, They seemed to close out those 6 or so games pretty well in which they were losing badly and had to make up a lot of ground to pull out the win.

If anything this team has shown that when the lights are brightest, they are capable of playing some very good basketball. Can they do it for 4 or 5 or 6 nights in a row? I have no idea, but I do know they are not a team that gives up and they are not a team that I would want to draw in any tournament.

 

[BuffsNYC]

I keep waiting for the Buffs to play up to (or even above) their capabilities. If the wings are all making their shots, the points aren't turning the ball over, and Josh and Wes are Josh and Wes, then this team can literally beat anyone. I haven't seen a game like that this season. I guess I will take being frustrated and thinking there should've been more than a one and done trip to March Madness.

 

[Buffnik]

I keep waiting for the Buffs to play up to (or even above) their capabilities. If the wings are all making their shots, the points aren't turning the ball over, and Josh and Wes are Josh and Wes, then this team can literally beat anyone. I haven't seen a game like that this season. I guess I will take being frustrated and thinking there should've been more than a one and done trip to March Madness.

I'm waiting to see it away from home. But I don't think we give the team enough credit for the way it played in those wins over Cal, Oregon and Arizona. Can probably include BYU in that mix.

 

[CitizenKane]

I actually have some concerns about post season play for the Buffs. Guard play is so important at this time of year. When CU won the PAC12 tourney they had excellent guard play. This year, guard play, is the biggest area of concern on the team. Even a team such as WSU on Wednesday will be interesting for CU. After all WSU is playing much better since getting demolished at Utah and while they have lost all of their games, they haven't played horrible in any of them. So while I think CU will win against WSU on Wednesday, I am not going to Vegas to bet on it...and what happens in the NCAA's depends entirely on the match up.

 

[BIGEZ321]

Caught me a bit by surprise, but I have a very good feeling about this Buffs hoops team, and their potential for both the PAC Tourney and the Dance. Normally this past few years about this time for me and Buffs chances, especially the Dance, not so much.

We should be fine (due respect to a conf foe) round one in the PAC. Now should we find an avenue to get past AZ, which is really a tall order, we have a very decent shot to go far in the Pac Tourney. I like how we match up in conference, and we have significant depth across the court. Buffs are continuing to find their way, despite proper frustration voiced per finding ways to lose close games (me included a few games back . Regardless per PAC, with one win or multiple wins, I anticipate we get our ticket punched for the dance. The math and reasons many have stated already, humbly believe we will be dancing.

Playing at Utah on senior night, and getting that close, this team really has made significant strides since UCLA game, and over course of the season especially AZ game. Buffs have made the Dance multiple times under Tad, but this is the first time under Tad I believe we could actually do some real damage beyond just the invite. We will need the guard play to "keep the wheels on". Although it has been painful at times, as a group guard play is improving, on a frontline dominate team. I anticipate guard play will hold serve on neutral courts in upcoming play, anything beyond that and this team gets even more intriguing.

I suspect this team may just ignite, in a good way, next couple of weeks. With Big Josh and Wes, GK, and perhaps little Josh....Fletch, assisting good things to happen. Per Dance, teams that have not played Big Josh before are going to find his style of play a tough adjustment, awkward, especially how effective he is with both hands. Mentally Josh, and Wes, have arrived. To me play up front is peeking at the right time.

Utah game gave me what I was hoping for short of an unlikely win. Keep this team hungry and focused, and gives Tad their undivided attention for the next few weeks. We were very competitive in a tough environment, and a fair dose of home cookin. We are also healthy, which is a welcome change. Just have a vibe we are about to jell right on time, and surprise some folks outside Colorado.

Awesome post.

There is so much parity in basketball this year and anything can happen. Going into the NCAA Tourney, if the Buffs hit on all cylinders for a full game they are capable of beating anyone. CU is one of the teams people don't want to play because of Josh Scott, along with athletic wings, and a team that shoots 40 percent from behind the arch. If the Buffs get hot from 3pt land they'll be a handful.

The Buffs can make some noise in both Tourneys if:
1) Talton/Dom/TA take care of the ball and reduce dribble penetration.
2) King/Fortune/Fletcher shoot around 40% from the 3pt Line.
3) Josh and Wes stay out of foul trouble.

We've all seen Seniors dominate the NCAA tourney in the past, and I'm really anxious to see if Josh Scott can do the same. If Josh plays the way he played against Arizona, and the above bullets take place, CU might find themselves in the Sweet 16.

 

[Bufffan68]

That'd be nice to think they'd change the identity as choking in big games they developed the entire year would suddenly change. I'm not that hopeful but hope you are right.

 

[Buffnik]

That'd be nice to think they'd change the identity as choking in big games they developed the entire year would suddenly change. I'm not that hopeful but hope you are right.

There were also some comebacks, though. Some of the narrative was that this team didn't start fast and would dig itself into too big of a hole. Some they climbed out of and won, so we don't talk about this as much now.

But it's part of the puzzle with this team. I think the most accurate description is that this is a team that has struggled to put together 40 minute games.

 

[Bufffan68]

There were also some comebacks, though. Some of the narrative was that this team didn't start fast and would dig itself into too big of a hole. Some they climbed out of and won, so we don't talk about this as much now.

That's a good point...tend to focus on the negative. Seems all of our folding was against PAC12 teams though...

 

[Gary Indiana]

If the Buffs are going to make any noise in the PAC/NCAA tournament, they need 3 things...

1. Josh to play at his potential
2. AK to run the point, control the flow, and limit the turnovers. Dom is still shakey at this stage.
3. Either Fortune or King to step up and hit some shots.

Against the top level competition, if we are missing any of those, we lose.

 

[Darth Snow]

If the Buffs are going to make any noise in the PAC/NCAA tournament, they need 3 things...

1. Josh & Wes to play to their average.
2. Dom to play to his potential.
3. Either Fortune or King to step up and hit some shots.

Against the top level competition, if we are missing any of those, we lose.

Fify. The AK love is back, I see. Love that he's turned things around some, but we lose when dom doesn't play well against good teams.

 

[onealcd]

I actually think it comes down to defense and specifically defending without fouling. When the Buffs play defense they do not get blown out and will have a chance to win against a lot of teams. WHen they don't it can get ugly.

 

[Gary Indiana]

Fify. The AK love is back, I see. Love that he's turned things around some, but we lose when dom doesn't play well against good teams.

How often does Dom play to his potential? That's the problem.

Why I would run with AK for the tournament would be that Dom forces the issue far too much, leading to senseless turnovers. In addition, Dom has a very hard time overcoming a bad start and often compounds one bad play with further lapses. This team doesn't need a PG who will win the game for them, just one who won't lose it either. I have more faith in AK being a steady hand and quiet facilitator.

 

[Darth Snow]

How often does Dom play to his potential? That's the problem.

Why I would run with AK for the tournament would be that Dom forces the issue far too much, leading to senseless turnovers. In addition, Dom has a very hard time overcoming a bad start and often compounds one bad play with further lapses. This team doesn't need a PG who will win the game for them, just one who won't lose it either. I have more faith in AK being a steady hand and quiet facilitator.

I just don't see how AK is that guy. He provides some great play in flashes, but he was on the floor for a large portion of that run by Utah.

Basically, I'm saying he's not a fix or a big change from Dom.

 

[Buffalo Brad]

This team can make a run but Josh and Wes will carry big loads. We have to be able to score inside with the kick out to the open guy working. Fletch, GMFK, Bubbles and Dom are going to have to hit shots outside. Guard play was not as big of an issue at Utah as our inability to score inside. I know Poeltl is good but Josh was not good in the first half. We need Josh from AZ to make a run in Vegas and the tourney.

 

[whatthebuff]

I wish I shared your optimism but I have yet to see this team truly close out a game away from the Coors Events Center against tournament level competition.
They were lucky to survive at Stanford and Wazzu, and they blew it against SMU, USC, Oregon State and Utah.
The only times the Buffs won a road game "going away" this year were the first two they played, against sub-par competition in CSU and Auburn.

I take comfort in the fact that most teams aren't very good away from home. Nobody in the Pac was over .500 on the road this year. As long as we avoid any unlucky draws like playing Providence in Providence, whoever we play is going to be in the exact same position as us.

 

[BUFFset]

It's hard not to have the feeling that we will get a huge lead, Tad won't call a TO when a team goes on a run and if he does, we totally **** up whatever play was called and we slow the ball down to lose close. That is our MO against good teams this year. Guard play needs a LOT of work. I like this team, they just need to keep their foot on the pedal and take better control of the ball.

 

[Denver_sc]

There were also some comebacks, though. Some of the narrative was that this team didn't start fast and would dig itself into too big of a hole. Some they climbed out of and won, so we don't talk about this as much now.

But it's part of the puzzle with this team. I think the most accurate description is that this is a team that has struggled to put together 40 minute games.

Bingo. I'm really struggling to think of a time they've played a 40 minute game this year. If they do, they can beat anyone in the country this year. I really think they're that good when they play to potential.

 

[BuffG]

I like this team a lot. Probably my 2nd favorite team after the '10-'11 squad.

Tournaments are all about match-ups. We've got the worst possible match-ups for the P12 tourney. Playing WSU will likely drop our RPI even in a win. Everyone should know the deal with AZ in Vegas.

If we're a 8-9 seed as projected in the Dance then our best hope is the round of 32. Realistically, I'm hoping for a 10-11 seed then there's a conceivable path to the Sweet 16--depending on match ups.

 

[89BUFF89]

not sure how i feel about this team, it's so up and down. if we go against a tough zone team in the tourney i would expect one and done. the one buff team that made it to round of 32 under boyle was very hot going in having just won the p12 tourney, but had less overall talent than the current squad.

 

[Buffnik]

I like this team a lot. Probably my 2nd favorite team after the '10-'11 squad.

Tournaments are all about match-ups. We've got the worst possible match-ups for the P12 tourney. Playing WSU will likely drop our RPI even in a win. Everyone should know the deal with AZ in Vegas.

If we're a 8-9 seed as projected in the Dance then our best hope is the round of 32. Realistically, I'm hoping for a 10-11 seed then there's a conceivable path to the Sweet 16--depending on match ups.

'10-'11 was a lot of fun. They could score the ball and it was so nice to see good basketball after the previous years.
'11-'12 became my favorite team, though I wasn't in love with them before the Pac-12 tournament.
'13-'14 was then my favorite until Spencer went down. In the end, '11-'12 remains the season.

This season can top '11-'12 still. #MarchTadness is upon us. Get your popcorn out.

 

[Eggon]

Another ingredient which is essential for a hunch to become reality, Tad needs to elevate his tourney game along with the team. Be strategic and effective with substitutions, be on target with Time Outs, don't disrupt the hot hand. Clark on CBS said something the other day, "usually successful tourney teams gain speed in the tournament (not before), find a gear, 'Somebody goes off".....more so than prior to the Dance. I think there is something to that.

Just think Josh Scott is gonna to deliver the mail (With Wes solid on both ends).

 

[scoob]

I'm going to take the opposite point of view as most here as far as the Buffs playing to their potential. I don't think our Buffs had any business finishing fifth in the PAC this season as far as talent or potential are concerned.

The Buffs are probably the seventh or eighth most talented team in the conference this season. Tad may have gotten more wins out of the talent on his team than any other coach in the conference, maybe other than Utah.

The Utah and USC meltdowns were maddening but I submit that this team had no business building 14 point leads against either of those teams on the road in the first place.

I'm frankly not expecting much from this team in the postseason, but I hope to be pleasantly surprised if eggon's feeling comes to fruition.

After that **** show last year, the Buffs have already exceeded my expectations and its been a nice season.