Colorado Basketball Prepares for Season Opener

The Buffaloes finalize their rotation as the squad prepares for the upcoming season debut.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball

Colorado Basketball Prepares for Season Opener

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Should college teams use preseason exhibition games primarily to develop young players rather than win?

Colorado men's basketball coach Tad Boyle recently utilized a nine-man rotation during an exhibition game against North Texas. The Buffaloes secured a 67-64 victory in the contest held at Metro State in Denver.

Why it matters

Defining a consistent rotation is critical for the team to build cohesion before the regular season schedule begins in November. The inclusion of new talent and the management of player conditioning remain top priorities for the coaching staff.

Coach Tad Boyle deployed a nine-man rotation during the exhibition, with bench players Inman, Holland, and Feddersen each logging at least 19 minutes of court time. David Gomez played five minutes, recording two rebounds and three turnovers.

The players

Tad Boyle

He is the head coach of the Colorado men's basketball team and is currently entering his 17th season at the helm of the program.

Mana Winitana

A 6-foot-2 guard from Wasatch Academy in Utah, he is a three-star prospect who recently committed to the Colorado class of 2027.

Ian Inman

He is a contributor for the Colorado Buffaloes who saw significant action in the exhibition game against North Texas.

David Gomez

He is a player for the Colorado men's basketball team who is working to improve his conditioning as the season approaches.

The details

The starting lineup for the exhibition consisted of Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Josiah Sanders, Justin Neely, and Goc Malual. Meanwhile, the program bolstered its future by securing a commitment from three-star guard Mana Winitana for the 2027 recruiting class.

Sunday, October 18, 2026: Colorado defeated North Texas in an exhibition game.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026: Mana Winitana committed to the 2027 recruiting class.
Saturday, October 24, 2026: The team plays a closed scrimmage against St. Mary's.
November 2, 2026: The Buffaloes host their season opener against Abilene Christian.

Season Trajectory

The team's current rotation adjustments follow the competitive patterns established within the Big 12 conference cycle. These early exhibition outcomes are vital for establishing a roster hierarchy before conference play tests the team's depth.

The heavy minute load for bench contributors like Ian Inman suggests a deeper rotation strategy may be in play for the upcoming season opener. Readers should note that David Gomez's limited playing time and turnover count indicate he is currently a secondary option needing further development.

The takeaway

Building depth through a nine-man rotation allows the coaching staff to evaluate multiple lineups before the season officially begins. Keeping an eye on player conditioning will be essential for fans tracking the team's consistency throughout the long regular season.

What happens next

Colorado is scheduled to play a closed scrimmage against St. Mary's on October 24, 2026. Following that, the team will host its official season opener against Abilene Christian on November 2, 2026.