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

Mar 8, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Nique Clifford (32), Colorado Buffaloes forward Tristan da Silva (23), Colorado Buffaloes guard Julian Hammond III (1), and Colorado Buffaloes guard Ethan Wright (14) walk up court after a scoring play against the Washington Huskies during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

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Colorado Basketball forward Tristan da Silva Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Power forward

Projected starter: Tristan Da Silva (18 mpg)

Like Simpson, Da Silva also had a nice increase in production in his third year, tying for team lead with 15.9 ppg. And unlike the rest of the team, the 6’9 forward also shot 50% from the field and a team-best 39% from three-point range. That includes games such as 22 points and 15 rebounds against Oregon State, along with a career-high 30 in a win over Oregon.

Da Silva has the chance to be a darkhorse Pac-12 Player of the Year candidate. With a better-supporting case, he’s going to be given the opportunity to go one-on-one against the other frontcourts in the Pac-12. And thanks to other bigger forwards, the Buffaloes can move him around more in different lineups.

Key reserves: Cody Williams (12 mpg), Luke O’Brien (10 mpg)

Due to Williams size, he can easily slide over to the four-spot. And his versatility can create some legit mismatches. Plus, with guys like O’Brien that’s also big enough to play at the four in the Pac-12, Coach Boyle could throw several guys there when Da Silva is playing elsewhere.

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