Colorado Buffs face 2,821 season tickets and a rebounding gap as they open season
With attendance at its lowest since 2009, head coach Tad Boyle leans on three new frontcourt players to fix the team's glass battles against Abilene Christian on Monday.
By Harper Foster ·
The Colorado men's basketball team opens the 2026-27 season on Monday at the Events Center against Abilene Christian. Head coach Tad Boyle enters his 17th year in Boulder with a specific worry that has persisted since his arrival: the team struggles to secure rebounds.
Attendance numbers reflect the program's recent struggles. CU averaged 6,207 fans per game last season, the lowest mark in the Boyle era. As of Friday, the team had sold 2,821 men's basketball season tickets. That figure has declined steadily from 5,020 in the 2021-22 season.
The roster relies heavily on new faces to address defensive gaps. Transfer forward Justin Neely, who averaged 11.5 rebounds per game at UNC Greensboro last year, leads the effort. He is joined by Noah Feddersen from North Dakota State and Australian rookie Goc Malual. All three were above-average rebounders at their previous schools.
Boyle acknowledges the challenge of translating those college stats to the Big 12. He noted that his belief in rebounding transferring between programs has not always held true for recent transfers. Neely, who stands 6-foot-6, will face larger opponents. He said the team must be physical and compete for every ball, noting that rebounding is an effort matter.
The team also expects improved perimeter shooting from second-year players Jalin Holland and Josiah Sanders. They combined for a .230 three-point field goal percentage last season. Barrington Hargress, the team's leading scorer with 14.7 points per game last year, begins his final season with 1,599 career points. He needs 12.15 points per game over a minimum of 33 games to reach the program's 2,000-point mark.
CU finished in a tie for 14th in the Big 12 preseason coaches poll and at No. 15 in the media poll. The Buffs are 16-0 in home openers under Boyle. Their nonconference schedule includes San Diego State, Providence, Purdue, and Stanford.
Boyle said the team has made improvements on both sides of the ball but called rebounding a major concern. "Rebounding in general, offense and defense, has to get better," he said. The team plays its second game on the road against San Diego State on Saturday in the first annual Bill Walton Classic.
Source: The Denver Post
