Freshmen Wait For Their Turn

The Colorado men's basketball program faces a stark contrast this season compared to the previous year. Last year, the Buffs finished 17-16 and relied on a deep bench to navigate a tough schedule. They went 7-11 in the Big 12 but had the luxury of constant rotation changes. Eleven players appeared in at least 20 games, and seven started at least ten. That flexibility is unlikely to return in 2026-27.

With the season opener against Abilene Christian set for Nov. 2, head coach Tad Boyle is entering his 17th year in Boulder. The rotation is expected to be tight. It will likely consist of guards Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Jalin Holland, Josiah Sanders, and Ian Inman. Forwards Justin Neely, Noah Feddersen, Goc Malual, and David Gomez will round out the group. Gomez may see limited minutes as he recovers from foot surgery.

This setup leaves a handful of freshmen in a distinct role. They are essentially practice players for now. Forward Chase Hill summarized his goal with two words: just develop. Hill noted he could have started at Division III and transferred later. Instead, he chose Colorado to build his foundation over his expected four or five years in Boulder.

The group includes Hill, guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela, and forward Eric Jacobsen. They arrived through different paths. Portela, a wing from Phoenix, signed last November. The others were late additions last spring. Jacobsen grew up near Chicago and Wisconsin before playing in New Hampshire. A torn ACL during his junior year slowed his recruiting progress.

Hill comes from a basketball lineage. His father is the all-time winningest women's coach at Trinity University. His grandfather, Bob, was a longtime NBA coach who helped recruit Boyle to Kansas decades ago. Portela's father also coaches. Jones reopened his recruiting after a coaching change at Georgia State, where he had originally committed.

Jacobsen admitted the limited role was hard to accept initially. He is now focused on daily effort. He said he can go as hard as possible every day and has nothing to lose. He is trying to earn what he can. This mindset is central to the group's approach.

Boyle does not view the situation as permanent. He called it fluid. He highlighted a strong practice session by Jones on Friday. He also noted positive work from Jacobsen and Hill. The coach believes they have the capability but lack consistency due to their age.

Their standing in December could differ significantly from mid-to-late October. Boyle wants the players to stay mentally ready. He expects them to prepare daily so they are ready when called upon. Their daily work matters to a Buffs team hoping to surprise in the Big 12.