RSSBot
News Junkie
Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images
It wasn’t pretty, but the Buffs are 4-0.
Colorado won’t be getting into Harvard with these grades, but C’s get degrees, the Buffs get non-conference wins.
After an ugly game against a poor opponent, the Buffs have defeated the Crimson, 88-66, and move to 4-0 in this 2024-25 season. There are positives and there are negatives, and maybe it’s better to focus on the former for now.
Colorado’s success starts on the defensive side of the ball. Bangot Dak is a demon. Trevor Baskin and Assane Diop are rangy and cagey. Andrei Jakimovski is a solid, experienced player. That’s a great foundation for a good defense, even if the guards are bit slow and unathletic, and may get exposed against better opponents.
When the Buffs can hold their opponent’s to sub-40% shooting, win the rebounding battle 43-30, they’re going to find success scoring the basket. It’s classic Tad Ball to get stops and run in transition. That’s where Baskin and Julian Hammond shine, and where Javon Ruffin’s intelligent play shows up most clearly. It’s also where the Buffs are better able to hide their weaknesses.
Now for the problems. Harvard got into this game as soon as they made some shots and set their defense. The Buffs’ scoring droughts came when they couldn’t push the tempo. It’s something that we’re going to see all year — this team cannot create an advantage in the halfcourt. This is a collection of role players and project pieces with no star to revolve around. There’s no dynamic ball handler who can crack the defense, there’s a bunch of solid but nothing more shooters, and the forward are still developing basic skills.
We knew before the year that this would be a transition year. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re able to be patient, take note of in-season growth, and have hope that Boyle will get the most out of these guys while building the team for next year. Maybe we don’t win 20 games, but it will be fun to see what they can do.
by Sam Metivier
Continue reading...