The takeaway from the Colorado men's basketball season

The Colorado men's basketball team was picked to finish 9th in their inaugural year in the Pac-12 Conference . Even many Buff fans were hesitant to believe CU had enough scoring to do damage in a weak conference. It was prescribed, by the many scribes, as a “rebuilding year”.

But that was on the outside looking in.

After winning the Pac-12 Tournament the hard way and taking their talents to the NCAA Tournament, Tad Boyle sounded like he knew it was coming. The head coach put the pieces together, in the correct moments, and peaked right when they needed to. 

“Obviously, we are celebrating a great year for Colorado basketball, and I wish we were still playing this week (in the Sweet 16) but were not,” said Boyle.  “But as we reflect back on the year we had, and another 24 win season, it was a great run at the end.”

The crescendo of the year came in March, and changed the entire perception of the season.

Throughout the year Colorado showed glimpses of being a solid team. They teased the fans, much the same way as they had done in the past, winning against skilled teams inside the Coors Events Center but faltering on the road.

But then they found something, a way to win, against all odds and with all skeptics scratching their respective heads. They ran the table and garnered a newfound respect.

The season was the epitome of Colorado basketball: pushing through adversity, a snub after last season to provide motivation, and consistent, yet unpredictable, ups-and-downs over the course of a season.  

“I am really happy with where the program is today, and probably more importantly now, where it is going in the future,” said Boyle.

It’s a process. Boyle is ready to put in the time and the work.