2008 Colorado Buffaloes Basketball Preview

The last time the Colorado Buffaloes (12-20 overall, 3-13 Big 12) were in the post-season was when they went to the NIT in 2006. In his first season last year, coach Jeff Bzdelik made some improvements in the team’s performance but not enough to affect their record. This season will not be any easier for coach Bzdelik and the Buffaloes.

Sophomore forward Casey Crawford, a transfer from Wake Forest, can pass and shoot. It’s hoped that he can help upgrade the frontcourt. Two freshmen will battle for one of the starting forward spots. Toby Veal comes in as CU’s highest rated new guy, while Austin Dufault is a physical player capable of banging inside with Big 12 opponents. Senior forward Jermyl Jackson-Wilson (19.1 MPG, 4.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 46.0 FG%, 53.3 FT%) needs to refine his jumper. Jackson-Wilson, the only returning senior, will most likely offer minutes off the bench.

Sophomore Cory Higgins (33.6 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 45.9 FG%, 68.0 FT%) started every contest last season. The experienced sophomore is expected to step-up and be a leader in his second season with the Buffaloes. Freshman Nate Tomlinson, from Sydney, Australia, will most likely start at the point. He’s a good ball handler with keen court vision. Sophomore guard Levi Knutson (18.3 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 41.5 FG%, 78.6 FT%) has an accurate shot. In his first season, he played through a painful hip injury, proving his toughness. Junior guard Dwight Thorne II (15.0 MPG, 3.3 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 40.2 FG%, 81.8 FT%), who also played injured in 2007-2008, returns healthy. He too has a shot that can be dead-on.

With just two returning starters, one senior and one junior scholarship player back and the loss of the team’s all time leading scorer Richard Roby, Colorado has a whole lot of work to do in order to make their 2008-2009 season a success. Seven scholarship players have left since Bzdelik took over. This team finished last in 2007-2008, and they look to do the same again this year.