Four Newcomers Target Bench Roles as Colorado Basketball Season Launches

Ten days remain before the University of Colorado men's basketball team takes the court for the first time this year. That deadline sets the stage for a roster that has undergone significant structural changes compared to the previous campaign. The Buffs finished their last season with a 17-16 record, relying heavily on depth to navigate a challenging year. However, the current lineup presents a starkly different dynamic for head coach Tad Boyle as he prepares for the program's 17th year under his leadership.

The upcoming schedule begins on November 2 with a home matchup against Abilene Christian. Boyle has yet to lock in specific playing times, but the projected core includes guards Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Jalin Holland, Josiah Sanders, and Ian Inman. On the front line, Justin Neely, Noah Feddersen, Goc Malual, and David Gomez are expected to fill the forward roles. Gomez's initial minutes may be restricted as he completes his recovery from foot surgery that took place a year ago.

In the previous season, the Buffs posted a 7-11 mark in Big 12 play. At that time, eleven different players appeared in at least twenty games, and seven of them secured starting positions in at least ten contests. Such frequent rotation is unlikely to reoccur unless a wave of injuries strikes. Instead, several freshmen have joined the roster with the clear understanding that their primary role will be serving as practice partners during the 2026-27 season.

Chase Hill, a forward on the squad, summarized his objective with straightforward clarity. "Just develop," Hill stated. He noted that he could have attended a Division III program with the same developmental focus and attempted a transfer later. However, he chose to commit to Colorado immediately, aiming to grow over the four or five years he anticipates spending in Boulder.

Hill joined forces with guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela, along with forward Eric Jacobsen, to form this supportive unit. Portela, a wing player from Phoenix, signed with the team last November. The other three were late additions to the roster during the previous spring. Jacobsen, a six-foot-one post player, grew up in the Midwest near Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to Colorado Springs. He attended Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, where a torn ACL during his junior year reduced his national recruiting attention. Hill comes from a notable coaching background. His father holds the record for most wins in women's basketball history at Division III Trinity University in San Antonio. His grandfather, Bob, was a prominent NBA coach who helped recruit Boyle to Kansas four decades ago. Portela's father is also a coach, while Jones resumed his recruiting process after a coaching change at Georgia State, where he had previously signed.

Jacobsen admitted that accepting a limited role was an initial adjustment. He explained that he is now realizing he can give maximum effort daily without much to lose. "Just trying to earn what I can," he said. Absent any major injuries or unexpected hurdles, this group at the end of the bench is not projected to play regularly. Nevertheless, their daily contributions in practice will be vital for a team hoping to make an impact in the Big 12.

Boyle emphasized that he does not want these players to feel permanently excluded from the action. He described the situation as fluid, highlighting that Jones had a strong practice session on Friday. He added that both Jacobsen and Hill have shown good moments. The coach noted that while these athletes possess the raw talent, they lack consistency due to their youth. Their standing in December could look vastly different from their current position in mid-to-late October. Boyle urged them to prepare daily so they remain mentally ready whenever the opportunity arises.