2005 Colorado Buffaloes Basketball Preview

2005 Colorado Buffaloes Team Preview

It’s difficult to figure out what to tout as far as this Colorado team is concerned—sophomore Richard Roby or the team’s eight returning seniors! It’s clear that this team has at least two things going for it—a high scoring, second year swingman and on-court experience. Last season the Buffaloes were 4-12 in the conference and 14-16 overall. They haven’t participated in March Madness since 2003. This year will Roby and the seniors lead the team to a winning season and a NCAA berth?

Roby, who led the team in scoring with 16.0 PPG, is a player that Buffaloes’ coach Ricardo Patton can build around. In his freshman year he offered consistency on the court but had little help from teammates.

This year Roby will be joined by transfer Dominique Coleman who, with 27.1 PPG, was the top scorer among all junior college players last season. His shooting chops should take the pressure off of Roby and split defenses. That can only help this team.

Of the eight returning seniors only two will be starting—forward Chris Copeland and forward/center Julius Ashby. Both are solid players with Copeland pumping in 11.7 PPG and taking in 5.6 RPG and Ashby hitting 7.5 PPG and grabbing 6.0 RPG. Copeland also has an accurate foul shot, hitting for 81.4%.

Rounding out the starting five will be guard Marcus Hall. Hall sees the court well and is a fine playmaker and scorer. Last season he gave off 4.3 APG and contributed 11.2 PPG.

What the Buffaloes need to improve on this year is defense. Last season they led the Big 12 by giving up 73.9 PPG and were near the bottom in defending against shots. This team can have a strong winning season if they can go beyond scoring, executing effectively on the defensive end of the court.

We have also listed the link to the official Colorado Buffaloes athletic site, for those that would like more info on the 2005 Colorado mens basketball team. If not continue on below to more of the individual big 12 schools.