They’ll inexplicably lose at Cal. But that’s the only loss.
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Lookin ahead to 2021-22
- Thread starter Buffnik
- Start date
Fair
*nervously looks to see if Omar Strong has any relatives playing anywhere in college ball*
Buffsbball
Well-Known Member
Matt Bradley transferred to SDSU but watch Makale Foreman or Grant Anticevich put up 30 against us and we shoot 30% from the field and lose 61-58.
We'll lose to a Shyatt coached Wyo team on the road after scoring 12 first-half points /wakes up with cold sweat dripping off my nose and a Cowboy Joe shaped kidney stone/
Buffsbball
Well-Known Member
https://cubuffs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster
Looks like Amondo Miller Jr was added to the buffs roster from Valor Christian. Don't know if this is a walk on or mason faulkner replacement. He's 6'6 and averaged 17 a game for them. Considering Will Loughlin and Benan Ersek are the only other walk on's on the roster and they were on last years team might be scholly'ed. Was honorable mention all state. Hoping he's a walk on though.
Looks like Amondo Miller Jr was added to the buffs roster from Valor Christian. Don't know if this is a walk on or mason faulkner replacement. He's 6'6 and averaged 17 a game for them. Considering Will Loughlin and Benan Ersek are the only other walk on's on the roster and they were on last years team might be scholly'ed. Was honorable mention all state. Hoping he's a walk on though.
Buffsbball
Well-Known Member
Former Valor star Amondo Miller the latest addition to CU Buffs’ walk-on corps
It is a crossroads faced by countless prep basketball players every year who aren’t slam-dunk candidates for Division I scholarships. Choose to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond at the Division II…
www.buffzone.com
Looks like walk on! Like him as a walk on!
RIP @pac12
He looks really good. Fit. "Big Gravy" was a fun nickname but it doesn't suit him any more.
Buffsbball
Well-Known Member
Jabari, Jabari, and Eli or KJ
'99
Well-Known Member
#isitnovemberyet?
Three man weave preview can be seen here :
www.three-man-weave.com
They pick us 7th.
Key Losses: McKinley Wright IV, Jeriah Horne, D’Shawn Schwartz, Dallas Walton, Maddox Daniels
Key Newcomers: Quincy Allen, Lawson Lovering, KJ Simpson, Javon Ruffin, Julian Hammond
Lineup:
View fullsize
Outlook: Colorado had arguably its best season since the 60s last year under 11-year head coach Tad Boyle. The Buffs finished a muscular 14-6 in Pac 12 play, earned a 5-seed in the Dance (highest in school history), and finished 8th in KenPom, an unprecedented mark for the program. Including the COVID cancellation, Boyle has led CU to six NCAA Tournaments; from 1970 to 2010, the Buffs made just two. So, it’s safe to say Boyle has lifted the ceiling of the CU program during his tenure, and now he brings in its best class ever, ranking 11th per 247 Sports. Replacing McKinley Wright IV and a handful of other seniors will be challenging, but there’s enough talent lingering in Boulder to propel the Buffs to another Dance.
Boyle’s style is known for its defense, grittiness, and physicality. CU has ranked in the top 40 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency standings in each of the past three seasons under Boyle, and this is normally the strong end of the floor for his squads. Last year, though, it was CU’s offense that led the charge, ranking 13th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Boyle’s offensive approach is known as “Tad Ball” or “Boyle Ball” and carries the reputation of being bland and unexciting. The Buffs were a very balanced offensive team last season from a play-type perspective – they didn’t do a lot or a little of any one thing. Ball screens were a staple with Wright IV controlling the rock, but other than that there was a fair mix of post-ups, transition, hand-offs, spot-ups, and everything in between. Wright IV’s departure could lead to a dip in efficiency, but if CU continues to shoot 81.9% from the free-throw line, the 2nd best mark in the country in 2020-21, it should still be a top-50 team on the offensive side of the ball.
Tough defense should still be a major component of the make-up of this year’s version of the Buffs. Eli Parquet, one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, returns, and Boyle still has a ton of size in the frontcourt to deter rim attacks. This will be a significantly younger squad than last season, but there’s plenty of athleticism and experience to uphold the defensive foundation.
Replacing Wright IV will be no easy task. He’s one of the most decorated Colorado Buffaloes in school history and started every single game during his 4-year career. Western Carolina transfer Mason Faulkner was supposed to be the answer, but he called an audible to Louisville after committing to CU earlier in the offseason.
Sophomore guard Keeshawn Barthelemy was Wright IV’s backup last year, playing spot minutes at PG when the superstar sat and occasionally alongside him. He handles the ball well and can shoot a bit, so expect him to see an increase in PT this season - he likely begins the year as the Buff starting PG. 4-star freshman KJ Simpson is more of a combo-guard, but he is every bit capable of running point if CU requires. Simpson, a former Arizona commit, is an explosive, quick guard who’s sure to turn in a few highlight reel dunks and should make an immediate impact in the backcourt. 3-star recruit Julian Hammond rounds out the lead-guard rotation.
The aforementioned Eli Parquet leads a long albeit young wing corps brimming with two-way potential. Parquet was an All-Defense team member last season in the Pac 12 and a 41.8% shooter from deep. He’ll have a starting spot locked down, but the other wing position is up for grabs.
Sophomores Nique Clifford and Luke O’Brien could both ink some minutes in the CU backcourt, both capable shooters. But Boyle likely goes with a freshman or plays “big” by moving Tristan da Silva or Jabari Walker (more on him later) to the 3. Da Silva is not yet as accomplished as his big bro Oscar, but he showed some flashes during his rookie campaign. The 6’8” German native is perimeter-oriented and possesses good length and the ability to play the 3 or 4. 4-star freshman Quincy Allen is ready to play big minutes – he brings length, athleticism and gorgeous shooting to the fold. Fellow freshman Javon Ruffin, a 3-star prospect, does a bit of everything on the floor but likely spends most of this season riding the pine.
Frontcourt play should be strong next season with Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 forward Evan Battey returning to man the paint. Battey is a mammoth of a human at 6’8” 262 lbs. but has a feathery touch around the interior and from the free throw line where he converted 82.5% of his tries last season. Everyone has likely played with or against a “huskier” fellow in a pickup game before who possesses an unexpectedly soft touch – that is Battey in a nutshell.
View fullsize
While not a shot-blocker, Battey holds his own in the paint with his girth, and he’s consistently among the better rebounders in the conference.
Boyle has two main options to pair with Battey in some fashion. If he opts for a smaller lineup, 6’8” sophomore Jabari Walker will see the lion’s share of minutes at the 4. Walker made the Pac 12’s All-Freshman team last season and is a player I think is going to EXPLODE in a major way in 2021-22. Walker was a perfect complementary piece last season; he’s an excellent cutter and knows how to properly space the floor and spot-up. Per Shot Quality, 75% of Walker’s shot attempts last season came near the rim or from behind the arc, where he shot a blistering 52.3%. This year Walker needs to be more than just a complementary piece. He’ll continue to be a deadly pick-n-pop threat, but CU will need him to be a more primary scoring option on the offensive end. The sky is the limit on his progress this season.
Freshman Lawson Lovering, one of the highest rated recruits ever to commit to the CU program, could be an option next to Battey at the 5 if Boyle wants to slide Walker to the 3. Lovering is a legit 7-footer with some serious length and floor stretching capability. At the very least Lovering can serve as a rim protector during his freshman campaign and develop into a more well-rounded weapon over the next couple years.
Bottom Line: Colorado is much younger than last season but still has the talent to push for another at-large bid. The Buffs will need Walker to develop into a go-to threat and for someone to step up into the point guard role. And even if the offense isn’t quite as potent as last season, the defense, in true Tad Boyle fashion, should be tough as nails.
Pac 12 2021-22 Preview — Three-Man-Weave
UCLA has the entire nation’s attention after its 2021 Final Four run, but the Bruins will have to go through the Ducks to capture the Pac 12 crown.
www.three-man-weave.com
They pick us 7th.
7. Colorado
Key Returners: Evan Battey, Eli Parquet, Jabari Walker, Keeshawn Barthelemy, Tristan da SilvaKey Losses: McKinley Wright IV, Jeriah Horne, D’Shawn Schwartz, Dallas Walton, Maddox Daniels
Key Newcomers: Quincy Allen, Lawson Lovering, KJ Simpson, Javon Ruffin, Julian Hammond
Lineup:
View fullsize
Outlook: Colorado had arguably its best season since the 60s last year under 11-year head coach Tad Boyle. The Buffs finished a muscular 14-6 in Pac 12 play, earned a 5-seed in the Dance (highest in school history), and finished 8th in KenPom, an unprecedented mark for the program. Including the COVID cancellation, Boyle has led CU to six NCAA Tournaments; from 1970 to 2010, the Buffs made just two. So, it’s safe to say Boyle has lifted the ceiling of the CU program during his tenure, and now he brings in its best class ever, ranking 11th per 247 Sports. Replacing McKinley Wright IV and a handful of other seniors will be challenging, but there’s enough talent lingering in Boulder to propel the Buffs to another Dance.
Boyle’s style is known for its defense, grittiness, and physicality. CU has ranked in the top 40 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency standings in each of the past three seasons under Boyle, and this is normally the strong end of the floor for his squads. Last year, though, it was CU’s offense that led the charge, ranking 13th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Boyle’s offensive approach is known as “Tad Ball” or “Boyle Ball” and carries the reputation of being bland and unexciting. The Buffs were a very balanced offensive team last season from a play-type perspective – they didn’t do a lot or a little of any one thing. Ball screens were a staple with Wright IV controlling the rock, but other than that there was a fair mix of post-ups, transition, hand-offs, spot-ups, and everything in between. Wright IV’s departure could lead to a dip in efficiency, but if CU continues to shoot 81.9% from the free-throw line, the 2nd best mark in the country in 2020-21, it should still be a top-50 team on the offensive side of the ball.
Tough defense should still be a major component of the make-up of this year’s version of the Buffs. Eli Parquet, one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, returns, and Boyle still has a ton of size in the frontcourt to deter rim attacks. This will be a significantly younger squad than last season, but there’s plenty of athleticism and experience to uphold the defensive foundation.
Replacing Wright IV will be no easy task. He’s one of the most decorated Colorado Buffaloes in school history and started every single game during his 4-year career. Western Carolina transfer Mason Faulkner was supposed to be the answer, but he called an audible to Louisville after committing to CU earlier in the offseason.
Sophomore guard Keeshawn Barthelemy was Wright IV’s backup last year, playing spot minutes at PG when the superstar sat and occasionally alongside him. He handles the ball well and can shoot a bit, so expect him to see an increase in PT this season - he likely begins the year as the Buff starting PG. 4-star freshman KJ Simpson is more of a combo-guard, but he is every bit capable of running point if CU requires. Simpson, a former Arizona commit, is an explosive, quick guard who’s sure to turn in a few highlight reel dunks and should make an immediate impact in the backcourt. 3-star recruit Julian Hammond rounds out the lead-guard rotation.
The aforementioned Eli Parquet leads a long albeit young wing corps brimming with two-way potential. Parquet was an All-Defense team member last season in the Pac 12 and a 41.8% shooter from deep. He’ll have a starting spot locked down, but the other wing position is up for grabs.
Sophomores Nique Clifford and Luke O’Brien could both ink some minutes in the CU backcourt, both capable shooters. But Boyle likely goes with a freshman or plays “big” by moving Tristan da Silva or Jabari Walker (more on him later) to the 3. Da Silva is not yet as accomplished as his big bro Oscar, but he showed some flashes during his rookie campaign. The 6’8” German native is perimeter-oriented and possesses good length and the ability to play the 3 or 4. 4-star freshman Quincy Allen is ready to play big minutes – he brings length, athleticism and gorgeous shooting to the fold. Fellow freshman Javon Ruffin, a 3-star prospect, does a bit of everything on the floor but likely spends most of this season riding the pine.
Frontcourt play should be strong next season with Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 forward Evan Battey returning to man the paint. Battey is a mammoth of a human at 6’8” 262 lbs. but has a feathery touch around the interior and from the free throw line where he converted 82.5% of his tries last season. Everyone has likely played with or against a “huskier” fellow in a pickup game before who possesses an unexpectedly soft touch – that is Battey in a nutshell.
View fullsize
While not a shot-blocker, Battey holds his own in the paint with his girth, and he’s consistently among the better rebounders in the conference.
Boyle has two main options to pair with Battey in some fashion. If he opts for a smaller lineup, 6’8” sophomore Jabari Walker will see the lion’s share of minutes at the 4. Walker made the Pac 12’s All-Freshman team last season and is a player I think is going to EXPLODE in a major way in 2021-22. Walker was a perfect complementary piece last season; he’s an excellent cutter and knows how to properly space the floor and spot-up. Per Shot Quality, 75% of Walker’s shot attempts last season came near the rim or from behind the arc, where he shot a blistering 52.3%. This year Walker needs to be more than just a complementary piece. He’ll continue to be a deadly pick-n-pop threat, but CU will need him to be a more primary scoring option on the offensive end. The sky is the limit on his progress this season.
Freshman Lawson Lovering, one of the highest rated recruits ever to commit to the CU program, could be an option next to Battey at the 5 if Boyle wants to slide Walker to the 3. Lovering is a legit 7-footer with some serious length and floor stretching capability. At the very least Lovering can serve as a rim protector during his freshman campaign and develop into a more well-rounded weapon over the next couple years.
Bottom Line: Colorado is much younger than last season but still has the talent to push for another at-large bid. The Buffs will need Walker to develop into a go-to threat and for someone to step up into the point guard role. And even if the offense isn’t quite as potent as last season, the defense, in true Tad Boyle fashion, should be tough as nails.
I'm so ready for basketballThree man weave preview can be seen here :
Pac 12 2021-22 Preview — Three-Man-Weave
UCLA has the entire nation’s attention after its 2021 Final Four run, but the Bruins will have to go through the Ducks to capture the Pac 12 crown.
They pick us 7th.
7. Colorado
Key Returners: Evan Battey, Eli Parquet, Jabari Walker, Keeshawn Barthelemy, Tristan da Silva
Key Losses: McKinley Wright IV, Jeriah Horne, D’Shawn Schwartz, Dallas Walton, Maddox Daniels
Key Newcomers: Quincy Allen, Lawson Lovering, KJ Simpson, Javon Ruffin, Julian Hammond
Lineup:
View fullsize
Outlook: Colorado had arguably its best season since the 60s last year under 11-year head coach Tad Boyle. The Buffs finished a muscular 14-6 in Pac 12 play, earned a 5-seed in the Dance (highest in school history), and finished 8th in KenPom, an unprecedented mark for the program. Including the COVID cancellation, Boyle has led CU to six NCAA Tournaments; from 1970 to 2010, the Buffs made just two. So, it’s safe to say Boyle has lifted the ceiling of the CU program during his tenure, and now he brings in its best class ever, ranking 11th per 247 Sports. Replacing McKinley Wright IV and a handful of other seniors will be challenging, but there’s enough talent lingering in Boulder to propel the Buffs to another Dance.
Boyle’s style is known for its defense, grittiness, and physicality. CU has ranked in the top 40 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency standings in each of the past three seasons under Boyle, and this is normally the strong end of the floor for his squads. Last year, though, it was CU’s offense that led the charge, ranking 13th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Boyle’s offensive approach is known as “Tad Ball” or “Boyle Ball” and carries the reputation of being bland and unexciting. The Buffs were a very balanced offensive team last season from a play-type perspective – they didn’t do a lot or a little of any one thing. Ball screens were a staple with Wright IV controlling the rock, but other than that there was a fair mix of post-ups, transition, hand-offs, spot-ups, and everything in between. Wright IV’s departure could lead to a dip in efficiency, but if CU continues to shoot 81.9% from the free-throw line, the 2nd best mark in the country in 2020-21, it should still be a top-50 team on the offensive side of the ball.
Tough defense should still be a major component of the make-up of this year’s version of the Buffs. Eli Parquet, one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, returns, and Boyle still has a ton of size in the frontcourt to deter rim attacks. This will be a significantly younger squad than last season, but there’s plenty of athleticism and experience to uphold the defensive foundation.
Replacing Wright IV will be no easy task. He’s one of the most decorated Colorado Buffaloes in school history and started every single game during his 4-year career. Western Carolina transfer Mason Faulkner was supposed to be the answer, but he called an audible to Louisville after committing to CU earlier in the offseason.
Sophomore guard Keeshawn Barthelemy was Wright IV’s backup last year, playing spot minutes at PG when the superstar sat and occasionally alongside him. He handles the ball well and can shoot a bit, so expect him to see an increase in PT this season - he likely begins the year as the Buff starting PG. 4-star freshman KJ Simpson is more of a combo-guard, but he is every bit capable of running point if CU requires. Simpson, a former Arizona commit, is an explosive, quick guard who’s sure to turn in a few highlight reel dunks and should make an immediate impact in the backcourt. 3-star recruit Julian Hammond rounds out the lead-guard rotation.
The aforementioned Eli Parquet leads a long albeit young wing corps brimming with two-way potential. Parquet was an All-Defense team member last season in the Pac 12 and a 41.8% shooter from deep. He’ll have a starting spot locked down, but the other wing position is up for grabs.
Sophomores Nique Clifford and Luke O’Brien could both ink some minutes in the CU backcourt, both capable shooters. But Boyle likely goes with a freshman or plays “big” by moving Tristan da Silva or Jabari Walker (more on him later) to the 3. Da Silva is not yet as accomplished as his big bro Oscar, but he showed some flashes during his rookie campaign. The 6’8” German native is perimeter-oriented and possesses good length and the ability to play the 3 or 4. 4-star freshman Quincy Allen is ready to play big minutes – he brings length, athleticism and gorgeous shooting to the fold. Fellow freshman Javon Ruffin, a 3-star prospect, does a bit of everything on the floor but likely spends most of this season riding the pine.
Frontcourt play should be strong next season with Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 forward Evan Battey returning to man the paint. Battey is a mammoth of a human at 6’8” 262 lbs. but has a feathery touch around the interior and from the free throw line where he converted 82.5% of his tries last season. Everyone has likely played with or against a “huskier” fellow in a pickup game before who possesses an unexpectedly soft touch – that is Battey in a nutshell.
View fullsize
While not a shot-blocker, Battey holds his own in the paint with his girth, and he’s consistently among the better rebounders in the conference.
Boyle has two main options to pair with Battey in some fashion. If he opts for a smaller lineup, 6’8” sophomore Jabari Walker will see the lion’s share of minutes at the 4. Walker made the Pac 12’s All-Freshman team last season and is a player I think is going to EXPLODE in a major way in 2021-22. Walker was a perfect complementary piece last season; he’s an excellent cutter and knows how to properly space the floor and spot-up. Per Shot Quality, 75% of Walker’s shot attempts last season came near the rim or from behind the arc, where he shot a blistering 52.3%. This year Walker needs to be more than just a complementary piece. He’ll continue to be a deadly pick-n-pop threat, but CU will need him to be a more primary scoring option on the offensive end. The sky is the limit on his progress this season.
Freshman Lawson Lovering, one of the highest rated recruits ever to commit to the CU program, could be an option next to Battey at the 5 if Boyle wants to slide Walker to the 3. Lovering is a legit 7-footer with some serious length and floor stretching capability. At the very least Lovering can serve as a rim protector during his freshman campaign and develop into a more well-rounded weapon over the next couple years.
Bottom Line: Colorado is much younger than last season but still has the talent to push for another at-large bid. The Buffs will need Walker to develop into a go-to threat and for someone to step up into the point guard role. And even if the offense isn’t quite as potent as last season, the defense, in true Tad Boyle fashion, should be tough as nails.
Is it November yet?
Thanks for posting this, Daaah. I'll be pretty surprised if Allen starts. While we didn't get to see Da Silva spend a ton of time guarding the 3, I think he's the most likely candidate to be woven into Tad's D and rebounding binky alongside Jabari and Battey in the front court..Three man weave preview can be seen here :
Pac 12 2021-22 Preview — Three-Man-Weave
UCLA has the entire nation’s attention after its 2021 Final Four run, but the Bruins will have to go through the Ducks to capture the Pac 12 crown.
They pick us 7th.
7. Colorado
Key Returners: Evan Battey, Eli Parquet, Jabari Walker, Keeshawn Barthelemy, Tristan da Silva
Key Losses: McKinley Wright IV, Jeriah Horne, D’Shawn Schwartz, Dallas Walton, Maddox Daniels
Key Newcomers: Quincy Allen, Lawson Lovering, KJ Simpson, Javon Ruffin, Julian Hammond
Lineup:
View fullsize
Outlook: Colorado had arguably its best season since the 60s last year under 11-year head coach Tad Boyle. The Buffs finished a muscular 14-6 in Pac 12 play, earned a 5-seed in the Dance (highest in school history), and finished 8th in KenPom, an unprecedented mark for the program. Including the COVID cancellation, Boyle has led CU to six NCAA Tournaments; from 1970 to 2010, the Buffs made just two. So, it’s safe to say Boyle has lifted the ceiling of the CU program during his tenure, and now he brings in its best class ever, ranking 11th per 247 Sports. Replacing McKinley Wright IV and a handful of other seniors will be challenging, but there’s enough talent lingering in Boulder to propel the Buffs to another Dance.
Boyle’s style is known for its defense, grittiness, and physicality. CU has ranked in the top 40 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency standings in each of the past three seasons under Boyle, and this is normally the strong end of the floor for his squads. Last year, though, it was CU’s offense that led the charge, ranking 13th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Boyle’s offensive approach is known as “Tad Ball” or “Boyle Ball” and carries the reputation of being bland and unexciting. The Buffs were a very balanced offensive team last season from a play-type perspective – they didn’t do a lot or a little of any one thing. Ball screens were a staple with Wright IV controlling the rock, but other than that there was a fair mix of post-ups, transition, hand-offs, spot-ups, and everything in between. Wright IV’s departure could lead to a dip in efficiency, but if CU continues to shoot 81.9% from the free-throw line, the 2nd best mark in the country in 2020-21, it should still be a top-50 team on the offensive side of the ball.
Tough defense should still be a major component of the make-up of this year’s version of the Buffs. Eli Parquet, one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, returns, and Boyle still has a ton of size in the frontcourt to deter rim attacks. This will be a significantly younger squad than last season, but there’s plenty of athleticism and experience to uphold the defensive foundation.
Replacing Wright IV will be no easy task. He’s one of the most decorated Colorado Buffaloes in school history and started every single game during his 4-year career. Western Carolina transfer Mason Faulkner was supposed to be the answer, but he called an audible to Louisville after committing to CU earlier in the offseason.
Sophomore guard Keeshawn Barthelemy was Wright IV’s backup last year, playing spot minutes at PG when the superstar sat and occasionally alongside him. He handles the ball well and can shoot a bit, so expect him to see an increase in PT this season - he likely begins the year as the Buff starting PG. 4-star freshman KJ Simpson is more of a combo-guard, but he is every bit capable of running point if CU requires. Simpson, a former Arizona commit, is an explosive, quick guard who’s sure to turn in a few highlight reel dunks and should make an immediate impact in the backcourt. 3-star recruit Julian Hammond rounds out the lead-guard rotation.
The aforementioned Eli Parquet leads a long albeit young wing corps brimming with two-way potential. Parquet was an All-Defense team member last season in the Pac 12 and a 41.8% shooter from deep. He’ll have a starting spot locked down, but the other wing position is up for grabs.
Sophomores Nique Clifford and Luke O’Brien could both ink some minutes in the CU backcourt, both capable shooters. But Boyle likely goes with a freshman or plays “big” by moving Tristan da Silva or Jabari Walker (more on him later) to the 3. Da Silva is not yet as accomplished as his big bro Oscar, but he showed some flashes during his rookie campaign. The 6’8” German native is perimeter-oriented and possesses good length and the ability to play the 3 or 4. 4-star freshman Quincy Allen is ready to play big minutes – he brings length, athleticism and gorgeous shooting to the fold. Fellow freshman Javon Ruffin, a 3-star prospect, does a bit of everything on the floor but likely spends most of this season riding the pine.
Frontcourt play should be strong next season with Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 forward Evan Battey returning to man the paint. Battey is a mammoth of a human at 6’8” 262 lbs. but has a feathery touch around the interior and from the free throw line where he converted 82.5% of his tries last season. Everyone has likely played with or against a “huskier” fellow in a pickup game before who possesses an unexpectedly soft touch – that is Battey in a nutshell.
View fullsize
While not a shot-blocker, Battey holds his own in the paint with his girth, and he’s consistently among the better rebounders in the conference.
Boyle has two main options to pair with Battey in some fashion. If he opts for a smaller lineup, 6’8” sophomore Jabari Walker will see the lion’s share of minutes at the 4. Walker made the Pac 12’s All-Freshman team last season and is a player I think is going to EXPLODE in a major way in 2021-22. Walker was a perfect complementary piece last season; he’s an excellent cutter and knows how to properly space the floor and spot-up. Per Shot Quality, 75% of Walker’s shot attempts last season came near the rim or from behind the arc, where he shot a blistering 52.3%. This year Walker needs to be more than just a complementary piece. He’ll continue to be a deadly pick-n-pop threat, but CU will need him to be a more primary scoring option on the offensive end. The sky is the limit on his progress this season.
Freshman Lawson Lovering, one of the highest rated recruits ever to commit to the CU program, could be an option next to Battey at the 5 if Boyle wants to slide Walker to the 3. Lovering is a legit 7-footer with some serious length and floor stretching capability. At the very least Lovering can serve as a rim protector during his freshman campaign and develop into a more well-rounded weapon over the next couple years.
Bottom Line: Colorado is much younger than last season but still has the talent to push for another at-large bid. The Buffs will need Walker to develop into a go-to threat and for someone to step up into the point guard role. And even if the offense isn’t quite as potent as last season, the defense, in true Tad Boyle fashion, should be tough as nails.
Goose, do you think Allen starts early?
I think 3MW is a little low on Wazzu here. That team is going to be amazing and I'm excited to watch them this year. Dischon Jackson is so fun to watch
Buffsbball
Well-Known Member
Knowing Tad he always starts the season with seniority in the starting 5. How many freshman have started day 1? This year might challenge that with the talent in this class. I love the idea of KJ as a 6th man coming in and providing scoring off the bench.
I do. I'm sky high on him.
I agree, but I still think Tad is Tad. So, I'm betting when it all shakes out we'll see Barthelemy, Parquet, DeSilva, Walker and Battey to start the year. Allen, Clifford and Lovering first three off the bench.
That team finishes 7th. No better.
Could be. But Allen will be the first of the three to join the starting lineup. Before conference play.
We know we will be starting 2 seniors and a sophomore.
The question is on whether the other 2 starting spots are manned by freshmen or sophomores. Not that big of a difference there on vet leadership/trust, so talent/chemistry-need will govern.
The question is on whether the other 2 starting spots are manned by freshmen or sophomores. Not that big of a difference there on vet leadership/trust, so talent/chemistry-need will govern.
I still think by conference play two, if not three Freshman leap frog Sophs for playing time.