A look at the 2015-16 Colorado men’s basketball team:
Last season: 16-18, didn’t make NCAA tournament.
Nickname: Buffaloes.
Coach: Tad Boyle (108-68 in five seasons at Colorado)
Conference: Pac-12.
Key returners: When his back is healthy, senior forward Josh Scott is a force down low. He’s one of three players in school history with over 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 100 blocks and 60 steals in a career. Xavier Johnson won’t join the team until mid-to-late December at the earliest after he had surgery on his Achilles over the summer. Johnson has this as one of his claims to fame at Colorado: He’s third in school history in 3-point percentage (91 of 238) of anyone 6-foot-6 or taller. Wesley Gordon has 11 games with 10 or more rebounds. Sophomore Dominique Collier played in 30 of 34 games last season, averaging 4.7 points and 1.5 assists.
Who left: Guard Askia Booker will be difficult to replace after leading the team in assists (99), steals (44) and points (17.2). Jaron Hopkins transferred after playing in 67 games for Colorado in two years. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.9 rebounds.
The Skinny: The Buffaloes ended a string of three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. They’re eager to rebound with Scott and his balky back healthy. Johnson’s return would provide a late boost for the team. Collier is a developing guard who’s ready to step in for Booker.
Associated Press
