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Colorado Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Buffaloes

By Jerran Anderson

Feb 5, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of a Colorado Buffaloes basketball before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of a Colorado Buffaloes basketball before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected starting lineup

Point Guard: KJ Simpson

Simpson returns looking to boost his production after a tough season shooting the ball as a sophomore. Despite averaging 15.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.8 apg and 1.5 spg, he still shot 27.6 percent from behind the arc and 39.6 percent from the floor. He’ll need to improve on his efficiency as he looks to lead the backcourt in Year 3.

Shooting Guard: Julian Hammond III

Hammond was a solid presence off the bench for the Buffaloes and returns as their second-leading playmaker in the backcourt alongside Simpson. He produced 6.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.0 apg across 35 appearances in 2022-23. He’s another junior guard who should help improve things in a starting role this year.

Small Forward/Wing: Cody Williams

Williams joins the Buffaloes as the highest-rated prospect ever out of their 2023 recruiting class. He’s the brother of Jalen Williams (OKC Thunder) and possesses next-level skills at 6-foot-8 with athletic playmaking and scoring abilities. Look for him to make an impact in the lineup with his length and potential.

Power Forward: Tristan Da Silva

Da Silva is another leading returning name who also averaged 15.9 ppg along with 4.8 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.3 spg on 39.4 percent shooting from behind the arc and 49.6 percent from the floor this past season. He’s a consistent presence at the stretch-forward spot who’s got room to lead them to more victories with KJ Simpson in the backcourt. He’ll look to add more hardware to his cabinet after earning first-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2022-23.

Center/Forward: Eddie Lampkin

Lampkin is an upgrade at the center role at 6-foot-11 out of the transfer portal. He brings experience from the Big 12 already after spending the past three seasons with the TCU Horned Frogs. He appeared in 67 games (51 starts) with 5.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg from 2020-23. He’s a tremendous presence in the painted area though his production numbers don’t show it. He finished with an average defensive rating of 97.3 with TCU when on the floor, though.

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