The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team is a college basketball team that represents the University of Colorado Boulder. The team competes in the Pac-12 Conference. The Buffaloes have won one national championship, in 1949. They have also won 2 conference championships, in 1949 and 1975.
- Team Name: Colorado Buffaloes
- Short name: Buffs
- Team owner(s): University of Colorado
- Prominent players:
- Ralph Simpson (1960-64): All-American, led CU to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1964
- David Thompson (1973-75): All-American, led CU to the 1975 NCAA Final Four
- Chauncey Billups (1994-97): All-American, led CU to the 1997 NCAA Elite Eight
- Richard Jefferson (1996-98): All-American, led CU to the 1998 NCAA Sweet Sixteen
- Spencer Dinwiddie (2010-12): All-Pac-12, led CU to the 2012 NCAA Tournament
The Buffaloes are currently coached by Tad Boyle. Boyle has been the head coach of the Buffaloes since 2010. He has led the Buffaloes to 6 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2017.
The Buffaloes play their home games at the CU Events Center. The CU Events Center is a 12,500-seat arena located on the CU Boulder campus.
History about Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball Team
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team was founded in 1895. The team’s first head coach was James Naismith, who is considered to be the father of basketball. The Buffaloes played their first game on January 13, 1896, against the University of Denver.
The Buffaloes have had a number of successful seasons over the years. They won their first national championship in 1949, and they also won conference championships in 1949 and 1975. The Buffaloes have also made numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a run to the Elite Eight in 1997.
The Buffaloes have had a number of great players over the years. Some of the most notable players include:
- Ralph Simpson (1960-64): All-American, led CU to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1964
- David Thompson (1973-75): All-American, led CU to the 1975 NCAA Final Four
- Chauncey Billups (1994-97): All-American, led CU to the 1997 NCAA Elite Eight
- Richard Jefferson (1996-98): All-American, led CU to the 1998 NCAA Sweet Sixteen
- Spencer Dinwiddie (2010-12): All-Pac-12, led CU to the 2012 NCAA Tournament
The Buffaloes have had a number of ups and downs over the years, but they have always been a competitive team. They are currently one of the top teams in the Pac-12 Conference, and they are always a threat to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Here are some of the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team’s most notable moments in history year-wise:
- 1895: The team is founded.
- 1949: The Buffaloes win their first national championship.
- 1950: Ralph Simpson becomes the first Buffalo to be named an All-American.
- 1975: The Buffaloes reach the NCAA Final Four for the first time.
- 1994: Chauncey Billups becomes the first Buffalo to be named Pac-12 Player of the Year.
- 1997: The Buffaloes reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 1975.
- 2000: Richard Jefferson is drafted as the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
- 2010: Tad Boyle is hired as the head coach of the Buffaloes.
- 2012: Spencer Dinwiddie leads the Buffaloes to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008.
- 2017: The Buffaloes reach the Elite Eight for the second time since 1997.
- 2023: Jabari Walker is drafted as the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
These are just a few of the many notable moments in the history of the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team. The team has a rich history of success, and they are always a contender to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Coaching Staff Information about Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball Team
Tad Boyle: Head coach
Boyle is the head coach of the Buffaloes. He has been with the team since 2010. He is a former player at the University of Wyoming, where he was a two-time All-Conference selection. Boyle’s coaching philosophy is based on defense, rebounding, and toughness. He has led the Buffaloes to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2017.
Mike Rohn: Associate head coach
Rohn is the associate head coach of the Buffaloes. He has been with the team since 2010. He is a former player at the University of Wyoming, where he was a teammate of Boyle’s. Rohn’s coaching philosophy is based on player development and team chemistry. He is known for his ability to connect with players and help them reach their full potential.
Bill Grier: Assistant coach
Grier is an assistant coach of the Buffaloes. He has been with the team since 2014. He is a former player at the University of Wyoming, where he was a teammate of Boyle’s and Rohn’s. Grier’s coaching philosophy is based on the triangle offense. He is known for his ability to teach the game and help players improve their offensive skills.
Rick Ray: Assistant coach
Ray is an assistant coach of the Buffaloes. He has been with the team since 2019. He is a former head coach at the University of New Orleans and the University of Utah. Ray’s coaching philosophy is based on defense and rebounding. He is known for his ability to motivate players and get them to play hard.
Bill Cartun: Director of operations
Cartun is the director of operations for the Buffaloes. He has been with the team since 2008. He is a former player at the University of Colorado. Cartun’s role is to help the coaching staff with day-to-day operations, including scheduling, travel, and recruiting.
Zach Ruebesam: Director of player development
Ruebesam is the director of player development for the Buffaloes. He has been with the team since 2019. He is a former player at the University of Colorado. Ruebesam’s role is to help players improve their individual skills and prepare them for the NBA.
Marge Marcy: Assistant head coach
Marcy is the assistant to the head coach for the Buffaloes. She has been with the team since 2010. She is a former player at the University of Colorado. Marcy’s role is to help the coaching staff with administrative tasks, including scheduling, travel, and fundraising
Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball Team information about players
| Name | Jersey | Position | Height | Weight | High School | Rating |
| Luke O’Brien | 0 | Guard | 6’8″ | 210 lbs | Cherry Creek (CO) | 4-star |
| J’Vonne Hadley | 1 | Guard | 6’6″ | 206 lbs | Long Beach Poly (CA) | 3-star |
| KJ Simpson | 2 | Guard | 6’2″ | 187 lbs | Regis Jesuit (CO) | 4-star |
| Julian Hammond III | 3 | Guard | 6’3″ | 190 lbs | Cherry Creek (CO) | 4-star |
| RJ Smith | 10 | Guard | 6’4″ | 185 lbs | La Verne (CA) | 3-star |
| Cody Williams | 10 | Forward | 6’8″ | 180 lbs | DeMatha Catholic (MD) | 4-star |
| Assane Diop | 23 | Center | 6’11” | 240 lbs | Prolific Prep (CA) | 4-star |
These are just a few of the many talented players on the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team. The team is always looking to add new talent, and they are sure to be a competitive team in the Pac-12 Conference and the NCAA Tournament.
Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball Team’s last 10 years of records
| Year | Overall | Conf. | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 24-11 | 9-7 | NCAA First Round |
| 2014-15 | 23-12 | 8-8 | NIT Second Round |
| 2015-16 | 19-13 | 8-8 | NIT First Round |
| 2016-17 | 30-8 | 13-5 | NCAA Elite Eight |
| 2017-18 | 22-13 | 10-6 | NCAA First Round |
| 2018-19 | 21-13 | 9-7 | NIT Second Round |
| 2019-20 | 22-8 | 9-7 | COVID-19 Cancelled |
| 2020-21 | 9-13 | 5-13 | NIT First Round |
| 2021-22 | 20-12 | 10-6 | NCAA First Round |
The Buffaloes have had a mixed bag of results over the last 10 years. They have made the NCAA Tournament four times, but they have also missed the tournament twice. They have also had a few good seasons in the NIT.
The Buffaloes are hoping to build on their recent success in the coming years. They have a talented roster, and they are under the leadership of a proven coach in Tad Boyle. I think they have a good chance to make the NCAA Tournament again in 2023.
Season Preview: Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball Team
The Buffaloes are coming off a 20-12 season in which they made the NCAA Tournament. They return a number of key players, including Luke O’Brien, J’Vonne Hadley, KJ Simpson, Julian Hammond III, RJ Smith, Cody Williams, and Assane Diop.
The Buffaloes’ strengths this season will be their size and athleticism. They have a number of big men who can score inside, and they also have a number of guards who can shoot the three-pointer. Their weakness this season may be their experience. They lost a number of key players from last season, and they will need some of their younger players to step up.
The Buffaloes’ schedule is challenging this season. They will play a number of top teams from the Pac-12 Conference, and they will also play a number of tough non-conference games. They will need to play well on the road if they want to make the NCAA Tournament again this season.
Buffaloes’ upcoming games:
Colorado Buffaloes Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 7 | Oral Roberts | Boulder, CO |
| November 10 | South Dakota State | Boulder, CO |
| November 12 | Grand Canyon | Las Vegas, NV |
| November 17 | Utah Valley | Boulder, CO |
| November 20 | Northern Arizona | Boulder, CO |
| November 23 | vs. Arizona | Maui Invitational |
| November 24 | vs. Houston | Maui Invitational |
| November 25 | vs. San Diego State | Maui Invitational |
| December 1 | vs. Saint Mary’s | Moraga, CA |
| December 3 | vs. Wyoming | Boulder, CO |
| December 7 | vs. New Mexico | Boulder, CO |
| December 10 | at Utah | Salt Lake City, UT |
| December 17 | at Arizona State | Tempe, AZ |
| December 21 | at USC | Los Angeles, CA |
| December 29 | vs. Air Force | Boulder, CO |
| January 1 | vs. Utah State | Boulder, CO |
| January 4 | at Stanford | Stanford, CA |
| January 7 | at Oregon State | Corvallis, OR |
| January 11 | vs. Oregon | Boulder, CO |
| January 14 | vs. Arizona | Boulder, CO |
| January 18 | at Washington | Seattle, WA |
| January 21 | at Washington State | Pullman, WA |
| January 25 | vs. Arizona State | Boulder, CO |
| January 28 | vs. USC | Boulder, CO |
| February 1 | at California | Berkeley, CA |
| February 4 | at UCLA | Los Angeles, CA |
| February 8 | vs. Stanford | Boulder, CO |
| February 11 | vs. Oregon State | Boulder, CO |
| February 15 | at Oregon | Eugene, OR |
| February 18 | at Utah | Salt Lake City, UT |
| February 22 | vs. Washington | Boulder, CO |
| February 25 | vs. Washington State | Boulder, CO |
| March 3 | at Arizona State | Tempe, AZ |
| March 5 | at USC | Los Angeles, CA |
| March 9 | Pac-12 Tournament | TBD |
FAQs about the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team
1. What is the team’s nickname?
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team is nicknamed the “Buffaloes”. The nickname was adopted in 1934, when a group of CU students rented a buffalo calf to cheer on the football team. The calf became a popular mascot, and the nickname stuck.
2. What is the team’s home arena?
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team plays its home games at the CU Events Center. The arena is located on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, and it has a capacity of 12,429.
3. What is the team’s head coach?
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team is currently head coach by Tad Boyle. Boyle has been with the team since 2010, and he has led the Buffaloes to six NCAA Tournament appearances.
4. What are the team’s colors?
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team’s colors are gold and black. The gold represents the sun, and the black represents the night sky.
5. What are the team’s most notable traditions?
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team has a number of notable traditions. These include:
- The Ralph Simpson Award, which is given to the team’s most outstanding player.
- The Ralphie Run, which is a pre-game tradition where a live buffalo runs through the CU Events Center.
- The Chip’s Corral, which is a student section that is known for its raucous atmosphere.
