Colorado women's basketball opens season with new frontcourt depth

The Colorado women's basketball team begins its 2026-27 season on Wednesday at 6 p.m. against Morgan State at the CU Events Center. The matchup marks the first meeting between the two programs. Colorado enters the game with a 22-12 record from the previous season, while Morgan State finished 5-26.

Head coach JR Payne enters her 11th season at the helm of the Buffs. Her overall record stands at 287-241. Payne has guided the team to four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last five years. Those previous rosters typically relied on athletic wings. This season presents a different challenge with a roster that features more size in the frontcourt.

The addition of Anete Adler provides a new dynamic for the Buffs. The 6-foot-5 center played at Rhode Island and Boston prior to transferring. At Boston, she averaged 15.4 points and six rebounds per game. Payne has reviewed film from previous seasons to adapt her strategy. She specifically referenced the era of Aaronette Vonleh, a player Payne coached who operated as a low-post presence.

Adler is not the only player adding height to the lineup. Three returnees will offer options in the paint. Logyn Greer, a 6-foot-4 forward, played in all 34 games last season. She averaged 9.2 points and 5.0 rebounds. In an exhibition game last week against Adams State, Greer hit three of five three-point attempts. This marks an expansion from her previous 25.9% three-point shooting average.

Sophie Zadel and Jade Crook round out the group of taller players. Crook is listed at 6-foot-5 and averaged 3.1 points and 2.0 rebounds in 33 games last year. Zadel, who stands 6-foot-4, averaged 6.5 minutes in 18 appearances off the bench. Both players saw limited playing time in the 2025-26 campaign.

Zyanna Walker remains the team's primary guard. The 5-foot-11 fifth-year player led the Buffs with 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game last season. She was the only Colorado player selected to the All-Big 12 preseason team. Walker needs 77 points to reach the 1,000-point career mark. She missed the exhibition game against Adams State due to an injury.

Morgan State arrives in Boulder after a 103-47 victory over Washington Adventist University on Monday. It was the Bears' first 100-point scoring output in seven years. Five players scored in double figures for Morgan State. First-year guard Dru Carlton led the effort with 14 points. Coach Nadine Domond is in her second season, holding a 91-88 overall record.

Payne emphasized the team's culture of discipline and hard work in preparation for the season. She stated that while health and shooting percentages are variables, the team can guarantee daily effort. The Buffs will host Fresno State on Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN+ following the opener against Morgan State.