Basketball is a beloved sport that has been enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds for over a century. Colorado, in particular, has a rich basketball culture that has been shaped by its passionate fans, talented players, and dedicated coaches. Whether you’re a beginner who’s just learning the ropes or a seasoned pro looking to take your skills to the next level, there’s something for everyone in Colorado’s basketball scene.
This guide to basketball in Colorado is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about the sport in this state. From the history of basketball in Colorado to the top teams and players to watch, this guide has it all. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this guide is the perfect resource to help you stay up-to-date on all the latest basketball news and trends in Colorado. So, whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, get ready to dive into the exciting world of basketball in Colorado.
History of Basketball in Colorado
Colorado Basketball History
Basketball has a rich history in Colorado, with the first official game played on January 10, 1901. The University of Colorado Boulder’s men’s basketball team, known as the Colorado Buffaloes, was initially called the Silver and Gold. They began play in 1901 and beat State Prep School 34-10. While unaffiliated for their first few seasons, the school joined the Rocky Mountain Conference in 1909. From 1902 to 1935, the school racked up a 200-151 record.
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team has a rich history of elite players coming through the program. Some of the notable players include Chauncey Billups, who played for the Buffaloes from 1995 to 1997. Billups went on to have a successful NBA career, winning the NBA Finals MVP award in 2004. Other notable players include Cliff Meely, Richard Roby, and Alec Burks.
High school basketball in Colorado has also been a significant part of the state’s basketball history. The Mr. Colorado Basketball honor recognizes the top boys’ high school basketball player in the state of Colorado. The trademarked award has been presented annually since 1993 by The Denver Post to the player of the year selected from the best players in each of the five high school divisions.
In addition to high school and college basketball, Colorado has also been home to professional basketball teams. The Denver Nuggets, founded in 1967, are the state’s only current NBA team. The team has had several successful seasons, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 1976. The Colorado Kings, a minor league basketball team, played in the International Basketball League from 1999 to 2001.
Overall, basketball has a long and storied history in Colorado, with many notable players and teams making their mark on the sport.
Colorado Men’s Basketball Teams
Colorado has several men’s basketball teams that compete at various levels of play. The most prominent team is the Colorado Buffaloes, who compete in the Pac-12 Conference of NCAA Division I.
Seasons and Records
The Colorado Buffaloes have a storied history in men’s basketball, with fourteen NCAA Tournament appearances and two Final Four appearances in 1942 and 1955. The team has also won three conference championships, including two in the Big Eight Conference and one in the Pac-12 Conference.
Quick Facts
The Buffaloes play their home games at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado. The team is currently coached by Tad Boyle, who has been at the helm for fourteen seasons. The team’s mascot is Ralphie the Buffalo, and their colors are black and gold.
Rosters and Player Bios
The Colorado Buffaloes’ roster is made up of talented players from across the country. The team has a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, all of whom are dedicated to bringing success to the program. Fans can find player bios and stats on the team’s official website.
Coaching and Support Staff
In addition to head coach Tad Boyle, the Colorado Buffaloes have a talented coaching staff that includes assistant coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, and other support staff. The team also has a dedicated fan base that supports them at every game.
Season Statistics and Box Scores
Fans can find detailed statistics and box scores for each game on the team’s official website. This information includes game highlights, player stats, and other important information. Fans can also follow the team on social media for updates and news throughout the season.
Overall, Colorado has a strong men’s basketball program with a rich history of success. The Buffaloes are a team to watch in the Pac-12 Conference and beyond.
Colorado Men’s Basketball Events and Schedule
CU Events Center
The CU Events Center is the home of the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team. It is located on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The arena has a seating capacity of 11,064 and is known for its loud and energetic atmosphere. The arena has hosted many memorable games, including the Buffaloes’ upset victory over the Kansas Jayhawks in 2013.
Schedule
The Colorado men’s basketball team plays a challenging schedule each year. The 2022-23 schedule includes non-conference games against Nebraska, BYU, and Xavier. The Buffaloes also play a tough Pac-12 schedule, which includes games against Arizona, UCLA, and Oregon.
Here is a breakdown of the 2022-23 Colorado men’s basketball schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (MT) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 20 | Boise State | 1:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Dec. 3 | Nebraska | 4:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Dec. 10 | BYU | 1:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Dec. 17 | Xavier | 6:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Dec. 21 | at San Diego | TBA | TBA |
| Dec. 29 | Arizona | 7:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Jan. 1 | Arizona State | 2:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Jan. 5 | at Stanford | TBA | TBA |
| Jan. 7 | at California | TBA | TBA |
| Jan. 12 | USC | 7:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Jan. 14 | UCLA | 2:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Jan. 19 | at Washington | TBA | TBA |
| Jan. 21 | at Washington State | TBA | TBA |
| Jan. 26 | Oregon State | 7:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Jan. 28 | Oregon | 2:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Feb. 2 | at Arizona State | TBA | TBA |
| Feb. 4 | at Arizona | TBA | TBA |
| Feb. 9 | California | 7:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Feb. 11 | Stanford | 2:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Feb. 16 | at Oregon | TBA | TBA |
| Feb. 18 | at Oregon State | TBA | TBA |
| Feb. 23 | Washington State | 7:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Feb. 25 | Washington | 2:00 PM | PAC-12 NETWORKS |
| Mar. 2 | at USC | TBA | TBA |
| Mar. 4 | at UCLA | TBA | TBA |
The schedule is subject to change, so be sure to check the official Colorado Buffaloes athletics website for the most up-to-date information.
Overall, the Colorado men’s basketball team has a challenging schedule in the 2022-23 season, with many exciting games both at home and on the road. Fans of the Buffaloes will not want to miss any of the action at the CU Events Center.
Colorado Men’s Basketball Opponents
The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has faced off against a variety of opponents over the years. Some of the most notable opponents are discussed below.
All-Time Series Records
Colorado has played many teams over the years, and the all-time series records are a good way to measure the success of the program. Some of the most important all-time series records for the Buffaloes are:
- Colorado leads Colorado State 92-38
- Colorado leads Nebraska 76-49
- Colorado leads Kansas State 94-49
- Colorado trails Kansas 125-45
NCAA and NIT Teams
Colorado has played in many NCAA and NIT tournaments over the years, and they have faced some of the best teams in the country. Some of the most notable opponents that the Buffaloes have faced in these tournaments include:
- Kansas
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Oklahoma State
Creighton
Creighton and Colorado have played each other several times over the years, with the Buffaloes holding a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series. The two teams last played each other in 2019, with Colorado winning 81-49.
Seton Hall
Seton Hall and Colorado have only played each other once, with the Buffaloes winning 81-76 in 2012.
New Mexico
New Mexico and Colorado have played each other many times over the years, with the Lobos holding a 67-41 advantage in the all-time series. The two teams last played each other in 2018, with Colorado winning 78-75.
Utah Valley
Utah Valley and Colorado have only played each other once, with the Buffaloes winning 75-47 in 2018.
Colorado Men’s Basketball Statistics and Awards
Colorado Men’s Basketball team has a rich history of success and achievements. The team has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. This section will provide an overview of the team’s statistics and awards.
Honors and Awards
The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has a long list of honors and awards. The team has won 19 conference championships, participated in 15 NCAA tournaments, and reached the Final Four twice. The team has also produced several All-Americans, including Chauncey Billups, who went on to have a successful NBA career.
Assists, Steals, and Blocks
Assists, steals, and blocks are crucial statistics in basketball. The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has had several players who have excelled in these categories. The team’s all-time leader in assists is Jay Humphries, who recorded 562 assists during his career. The team’s all-time leader in steals is Shaun Vandiver, who recorded 199 steals during his career. The team’s all-time leader in blocks is David Harrison, who recorded 183 blocks during his career.
Points and Rebounds
Points and rebounds are also important statistics in basketball. The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has had several players who have excelled in these categories. The team’s all-time leading scorer is Richard Roby, who scored 2,001 points during his career. The team’s all-time leading rebounder is Stephane Pelle, who recorded 1,054 rebounds during his career.
Field Goals and Free Throws
Field goals and free throws are important aspects of basketball. The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has had several players who have excelled in these categories. The team’s all-time leader in field goals made is Richard Roby, who made 739 field goals during his career. The team’s all-time leader in free throws made is Cory Higgins, who made 463 free throws during his career.
Fouls and Turnovers
Fouls and turnovers are also important statistics in basketball. The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has had several players who have excelled in these categories. The team’s all-time leader in fouls is Stephane Pelle, who committed 359 fouls during his career. The team’s all-time leader in turnovers is Cory Higgins, who committed 342 turnovers during his career.
Record Breakdown
The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has an overall record of 1400-1259, which translates to a winning percentage of .527. The team has played in several conferences over the years, including the Pac-12, Big 12, Big 8, Big 7, MSAC, and Ind Conference. The team has won 19 conference championships and participated in 15 NCAA tournaments.
Season-by-Season Results
The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has had several successful seasons over the years. The team’s best season was in 1954-55 when they finished with a record of 22-4 and reached the Final Four. The team has also had several other successful seasons, including 1996-97 when they finished with a record of 22-10 and reached the NCAA tournament.
Coaching Records
The Colorado Men’s Basketball team has had several successful coaches over the years. The team’s all-time winningest coach is Forrest B. “Frosty” Cox, who had a record of 147-89 during his tenure. The team’s current coach is Tad Boyle, who has a record of 282-198 as of the 2022-23 season.
In conclusion, the Colorado Men’s Basketball team has a rich history of success and achievements. The team has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. The team has had several players who have excelled in various statistics categories. The team has also had several successful seasons and coaches.
Colorado Men’s Basketball Bests and Greatest Moments
Colorado Men’s Basketball has had a rich history with several great players and memorable moments. Here are some of the bests and greatest moments of Colorado Men’s Basketball.
1,000 Point Scorers
Colorado Men’s Basketball has had several players who have scored over 1,000 points in their career. Some of the notable players are:
| Player Name | Points Scored |
|---|---|
| Richard Roby | 2,001 |
| Donnie Boyce | 1,776 |
| Cory Higgins | 1,744 |
| Chauncey Billups | 1,690 |
All-Time Jersey Numbers
Colorado Men’s Basketball has retired the jerseys of several players who have made significant contributions to the team. Here are some of the all-time jersey numbers:
| Jersey Number | Player Name |
|---|---|
| 4 | Chauncey Billups |
| 11 | Jay Humphries |
| 20 | Cliff Meely |
| 24 | Burdette Haldorson |
Freshman Bests
Colorado Men’s Basketball has had several freshmen who have made a significant impact in their first year. Here are some of the best freshmen performances:
- Alec Burks was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2010 after averaging 17.1 points per game.
- Spencer Dinwiddie was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team in 2012 after averaging 10 points per game.
Doubles and Conference Leaders
Colorado Men’s Basketball has had several players who have recorded double-doubles and led the conference in various categories. Here are some of the notable performances:
- Andre Roberson recorded 27 double-doubles in the 2012-2013 season.
- Cory Higgins led the Big 12 in scoring during the 2010-2011 season with 18.9 points per game.
Greatest Comebacks and Victories
Colorado Men’s Basketball has had several memorable comebacks and victories throughout its history. Here are some of the greatest moments:
- In the 2012-2013 season, Colorado overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament.
- In the 2011-2012 season, Colorado defeated UNLV in the NCAA Tournament for its first tournament victory in 15 years.
These are just a few of the bests and greatest moments of Colorado Men’s Basketball. The team has had several great players and memorable moments throughout its history.
Colorado Men’s Basketball Media and Information Guides
The University of Colorado Athletics Department produces annual media and information guides for the men’s basketball program. These guides provide comprehensive information on the team, including player profiles, statistics, and historical information.
Colorado Men’s Basketball and the Pros
Colorado has a rich history of producing talented basketball players, both at the collegiate and professional levels. This section will explore some of the top players that have come out of the University of Colorado and gone on to play in the NBA.
Buffs in the Pros
Numerous former Colorado Buffaloes have gone on to play in the NBA. Some of the most notable include Chauncey Billups, Alec Burks, and Andre Roberson. Billups, who played for Colorado from 1995-1997, went on to have a successful NBA career, winning an NBA Championship and being named Finals MVP in 2004. Burks, who played for Colorado from 2009-2011, has played for several NBA teams and is known for his scoring ability. Roberson, who played for Colorado from 2010-2013, is known for his defensive prowess and has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nuggets and Suns
The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns are two NBA teams that have had a strong connection to Colorado basketball. The Nuggets have had several former Colorado players on their roster, including Burks, Cory Higgins, and Marcus Relphorde. The Suns also have a connection to Colorado basketball, as their head coach, Monty Williams, played for the Colorado State Rams in college.
In recent years, the Nuggets have been one of the top teams in the NBA, led by superstar Nikola Jokic. Jokic, who hails from Serbia, has become one of the best players in the league and was named the NBA MVP in 2021. The Suns, on the other hand, have had a resurgence in recent years, making it to the NBA Finals in 2021 behind the play of star guard Devin Booker.
Overall, Colorado has a rich basketball history, with several talented players and strong connections to the NBA. Whether it’s former Buffaloes making an impact in the league or NBA teams with ties to the state, Colorado basketball is alive and well at the professional level.
| Player | NBA Team |
|---|---|
| Chauncey Billups | Retired |
| Alec Burks | New York Knicks |
| Andre Roberson | Brooklyn Nets |
| Cory Higgins | Charlotte Hornets |
| Marcus Relphorde | Free Agent |
| Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets |
| Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns |
