Colorado Basketball: Projected depth chart and starting lineup for 2023-24

Shooting guard

Projected starter: Julian Hammond (13 mpg)

There are a number of options to replace Clifford at the two-spot this season. But there’s a really good chance that Coach Tad Boyle could use a committee and like last year, have multiple players get starts. The player that should get the first shot is Hammond, who was mostly the 6th Man on the team last season, averaging 6.9 ppg on 40% shooting from the field, along with 33% from deep.

The junior guard had eight games in double figures, including four straight at the end of the season when he was starting. That includes a season-high 21 points on 7/12 shooting against Washington in the Pac-12 Tournament. Hammond wasn’t efficient so pairing him with Simpson for large minutes on the perimeter together has some flaws. But it also has the highest ceiling for the Buffaloes.

Key reserves: Javon Ruffin (19 mpg), Luke O’Brien (8 mpg)

Another player who was primarily a bench contributor last season was Ruffin, a 6’5 guard from New Orleans that averaged 6.0 ppg in 24 games, shooting 36% from three-point range. That easily was the best among all of the perimeter players and Ruffin’s shooting ability alone will get him minutes if he’s healthy.

O’Brien is one of the more versatile players in the Pac-12 at 6’7 and 200 pounds. He started 10 games last season and can play anywhere between 2-4 in the lineup. He only shot 29% from deep but O’Brien playing at the two-spot can give the team a large lineup, considering who else is projected to start.