10 days until opener as four freshmen accept bench roles

For the newest members of the Colorado men's basketball roster, the immediate reality is a spot at the very end of the bench. With the team now 10 days away from its season opener, head coach Tad Boyle has indicated that four freshmen will primarily function as practice players during the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign. This shift marks a significant change for fans and observers who are used to seeing a wider array of players contribute on the court.

The Buffaloes are set to host Abilene Christian on Nov. 2 to kick off their season. Last year, the team finished with a 17-16 record and relied on a deep squad where 11 players appeared in at least 20 games. That level of rotation is not expected to return this year. Boyle's projected starting lineup and initial rotation will likely feature guards Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Jalin Holland, Josiah Sanders, and Ian Inman, alongside forwards Justin Neely, Noah Feddersen, Goc Malual, and David Gomez. Gomez's minutes may be restricted as he continues to recover from foot surgery.

The four freshmen navigating this limited role are forward Chase Hill, guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela, and forward Eric Jacobsen. They arrived in Boulder through different paths, with most being late additions to the roster last spring. Portela, a wing from Phoenix, signed in November of the previous year. Jacobsen, a 6-foot-1 post player, faced recruiting challenges after a torn ACL during his junior year. Hill comes from a prominent coaching family, while Jones re-entered the recruitment process after a coaching change at Georgia State.

Hill described his approach to the situation with a focus on long-term growth. "Just develop," he said. He noted that while he could have chosen a Division III program with similar goals, he preferred to start at Colorado and grow over the four or five years he anticipates spending there. Jacobsen acknowledged that accepting a reduced role was initially difficult. "I'm realizing I can go as hard as I can every single day and I don't really have anything to lose," he said. "Just trying to earn what I can."

Boyle emphasized that the current arrangement is temporary and fluid. He stated that the young players have the necessary talent but are still building consistency. He pointed to recent practices where Jones, Jacobsen, and Hill performed well, suggesting their status in December could differ significantly from their current standing. The coach wants the players to feel they are not permanently excluded from the action.

The primary expectation for this group is to elevate the team's practice intensity, which is crucial for a squad looking to make an impact in the Big 12. While regular playing time is not guaranteed barring injuries or other setbacks, Boyle has instructed the players to stay mentally prepared for any opportunity that arises. The focus remains on daily preparation and seizing moments when the rotation opens up.

As the season approaches, the dynamic between the established core and the developing newcomers will be a key story. The team's success will depend on how well the entire roster, including the bench, contributes to the overall strategy. Fans can expect to see these players in the mix as the season progresses, but their initial role is firmly rooted in development and practice support.