Colorado Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Buffaloes

Key Reserves

The reserves are limited in name but don’t be surprised to see some starters move around as certain names off the bench are on the hardwood. There’s tremendous versatility in this group that should allow for this year’s group to get a whole lot more out of the season with less under head coach Tad Boyle.

J’Vonne Hadley, Forward/Wing

Hadley should be their ultimate Sixth Man as his position as a reserve only comes to appease the arrival of Cody Williams. Look for him to play starter minutes as the first man off the bench for the Buffaloes after starting in 19 of his 22 appearances in 2022-23, posting 8.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.1 spg. He’s shown he can be utilized in a variety of ways with his size and defensive presence at 6-foot-6.

Javon Ruffin, Guard

Ruffin is another returning prospect who fared well in the Colorado backcourt in his freshman season. He debuted with 6.0 ppg and 2.4 rpg on 35.8 percent shooting across 24 contests in 2022-23. As he continues to play more minutes, look for his all-around production to increase as he heads into his sophomore season.

Luke O’Brien, Guard/Forward

O’Brien is another piece off the bench who should find himself in both the frontcourt and backcourt given his size at 6-foot-7. He showed he could hold his own off the bench this past season, averaging 6.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.0 apg on 42.5 percent shooting from the hardwood. He’ll be looked upon to shore things up with his playmaking and rebounding in the painted area this season.

Assane Diop, Forward

Diop is another member of the 2023 recruiting class who should make an early impact. He’s shown he can be an active presence rebounding and defending the ball and isn’t afraid to find his shooting stroke on the perimeter. He’s another 6-foot-8 presence who should carve out a role for himself in the frontcourt at both forward spots.