BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes entered this week in an interesting position.
They were 2-1 and had more questions than games played, as their victories were not all that impressive while the loss raised several eyebrows of fans.
This week, the team needed to not only dominate their opponents but also show more of an identity and clean up their mistakes.
They did that – and then some – this week, with their 91-49 victory over Omaha signaling another positive step forward for Tad Boyle’s program. Of course, the headliner was McKinley Wright IV. He led the team in points and assists, with 17 and eight, while also grabbing five rebounds.
Here are a few key takeaways from the win that propels the Buffs to 4-1 on the year.
And like last time, it begins with the Colorado frontcourt.
The Buffs have a great problem in their forwards
With Evan Battey continuing his progress tonight, the Buffs are left with four solid players in their frontcourt.
This depth is a luxury.
These four players, of course, are Battey, Walton, Horne, and Walker. All four players are looking to be between 18-22 minutes per night, and their different styles allow Colorado to alternate their pace throughout a contest.
While Evan Battey enjoyed his best game two nights ago against Northern Colorado, tonight’s spotlight starts with Dallas Walton. He is shooting 68% from the floor on the season while also striking three of five from deep. While his 3.5 RPG is modest for a 7-footer, his rim protection offers a true defensive threat to guards driving into the post.
Speaking of rebounds, Jeriah Horne has become the epitome of a “3-and-D” player. He is shooting at 57% from three while still crashing the defensive glass, and his veteran presence provides a lift to the second unit.
Still, Jabari Walker’s play would constitute more minutes on his behalf. Whether the Buffs need him as a forward or as a wing in a big lineup, Walker can draw lots of fouls inside and makes the most of his time on the floor.
At what point do the coaches shift minutes away from Maddox Daniels?
Even after a win, there is still a lot that the Buffs can improve on.
Tonight, one of those things is Maddox Daniels. His mechanics are tight and his looks are relatively open, but he still can’t put the ball through the hoop consistently. Tonight, he was a mere 1-8. While the Buffs can afford this play in a 40-point blowout, they will not have the same luxury in conference play.
Currently, Daniels is fourth on the team in minutes per game. The difficult thing here is that the players deserving of more minutes, like Jabari Walker, play a different style so there can’t be a one-for-one swap.
Daniels will most likely still receive opportunities, but if he has more shooting nights like tonight, there could be a shuffle within the rotation.
