Colorado Basketball Relying on Bench Freshmen for Depth

The Colorado men's basketball roster has changed shape ahead of the 2026-27 season. Four freshmen will likely spend most of their time practicing rather than playing in regular-season games. Coach Tad Boyle has not locked in exact minutes, but the starting lineup and primary rotation appear set. The newcomers are expected to serve as depth players for the 17th season under Boyle.

The Buffs host Abilene Christian on Nov. 2 to open the season. Last year, Colorado finished 17-16 and went 7-11 in the Big 12 conference. That team relied on a deep bench, with 11 players appearing in at least 20 games and seven making at least 10 starts. This season, that level of rotation is unlikely to repeat barring a wave of injuries.

The current projected rotation includes guards Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Jalin Holland, Josiah Sanders, and Ian Inman. Forwards Justin Neely, Noah Feddersen, Goc Malual, and David Gomez also figure prominently. Gomez's early playing time may be limited as he recovers from foot surgery performed a year ago.

Forward Chase Hill, guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela, and forward Eric Jacobsen make up the group expected to sit at the end of the bench. Portela, a wing from Phoenix, signed with the team last November. The other three joined the roster as late additions last spring. Jacobsen grew up in the Midwest and played at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. A torn ACL in his junior season slowed his recruiting progress.

Hill comes from a basketball family. His father is the all-time winningest women's basketball coach at Division III Trinity University in San Antonio. His grandfather, Bob Hill, was a longtime NBA coach who helped recruit Tad Boyle to Kansas 45 years ago. Jones reopened his recruiting process after a coaching change at Georgia State, where he had previously signed. Portela's father is also a coach.

Hill described his goal for the year as simple development. He said he could have started at Division III and transferred later, but chose to come to Colorado to grow over the four or five years he expects to be there. Jacobsen said accepting a limited role was difficult at first. He stated, 'I'm realizing I can go as hard as I can every single day and I don't really have anything to lose. Just trying to earn what I can.'

Boyle emphasized that the situation is fluid. He noted that Jones had a strong practice on Friday and that Jacobsen and Hill have also performed well in recent sessions. The coach said the players have the capability but lack consistency due to their youth. He added that their standing in December could look very different from where they are now.

The head coach asked the freshmen to prepare every day so they are mentally ready when called upon. Their daily work in practice is intended to support the team's hopes of competing in the Big 12. The rotation is expected to remain stable unless injuries force changes.

The team is currently in its final preparation phase before the season begins. The Nov. 2 game against Abilene Christian marks the start of play for the Buffs. The four freshmen will continue to practice with the main group as they wait for opportunities to contribute on the court.