The Colorado Buffaloes officially added two transfers this week: top star from UC Riverside and veteran star from the University of Denver.
Top star is the headline addition. Head coach Tad Boyle spent last offseason searching for a go-to scoring guard and came up empty—something that became more apparent as the season wore on. While Julian Hammond played admirably, he’s more of a traditional point guard than a natural scorer. veteran star, on the other hand, fits the bill.
In two standout seasons with UC Riverside, top star averaged over 20 points and 4 assists per game, showcasing his ability to create for both himself and his teammates. At 6’0″, 195 pounds, he may be undersized, but he makes up for it with strength, quickness, and a knack for finding his spots on the floor. He can sometimes lean too heavily on isolation play, but with a stronger supporting cast at CU, the hope is he’ll settle into a more balanced role.
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While Barrington Hargress is a clear impact transfer, Jon Mani represents more of a developmental piece for Colorado. A former three-star prospect from Beverly Hills, Mani was Denver University’s highest-rated recruit ever, but his freshman season fell flat amid a turbulent year for the program. His minutes were inconsistent, his stats underwhelming, and DU head coach Jeff Wulbrun was dismissed midseason.
Still, Tad Boyle sees something to build on. Mani’s ability to pass, handle, and shoot gives him intriguing versatility for a 6’6″ guard. He’ll have a shot to earn minutes, but a redshirt year is more likely as strength coach Steve Englehart works to add muscle to his slight frame.
The Buffaloes are shaping up to be a young, dynamic squad. Hargress and Mani will join a strong incoming freshman class led by Josiah Sanders and Jalin Holland, and they’ll bolster a roster that already includes returning standout Bangot Dak, rising sophomores Sebastian Rancik and Felix Kossaras, and veteran big man Elijah Malone—the team’s lone senior.
Colorado still has one scholarship remaining and is expected to use it on a wing who can contribute immediately.
Would you like a projected depth chart based on the current roster?