BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes men’s and women’s basketball teams gathered for their annual media day, offering insights into the upcoming 2024-25 season. With a mix of returning veterans, promising newcomers, and heightened anticipation due to the transition to the Big 12 Conference, both programs are looking to build on recent successes and navigate a host of changes. Here’s a detailed look at the day’s highlights from the head coaches, players, and even Colorado’s ski program.
Men’s Basketball: Tad Boyle’s Blueprint for a Competitive Big 12 Season
Head coach Tad Boyle, entering his 15th season, opened the media day with optimism while acknowledging the significant adjustments ahead. The Buffaloes are coming off a historic season with 26 wins, two NCAA tournament victories, and three NBA draft picks. Despite these accomplishments, Boyle remains focused on the task at hand: integrating new talent while preparing for tougher competition in the Big 12.
“It’s a whole new team and a whole new season,” Boyle remarked. “We have a lot of new players and some returning veterans, but the focus is on improvement. I want to see how much growth we can achieve from the start to the end of the season.” He emphasized the importance of cultivating competitiveness, citing the team’s physical practices and a noticeable “chip on our shoulder” due to their 15th-place Big 12 preseason ranking. “We’re hungry, and we’re ready to play hard every night,” he added.
Boyle also reflected on the team’s transition from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, noting the deeper talent pool and more challenging venues in the latter. “We’re leaving a good league for a great one,” he stated. “The Big 12 is as tough as it gets, with five preseason Top-10 teams. It’s going to be a grind, but it’s an opportunity for our program to take another step forward.”
Senior guard Julian Hammond III expressed excitement for the season while acknowledging the need for leadership on a team with a mix of newcomers and returning players. “We have a lot of different personalities, but the culture is strong,” he said. “Coach Boyle is emphasizing fundamentals, especially for the new guys, so we’re ready to compete from day one.” Hammond aims to be an all-conference guard and is prepared to step up in any role that helps the team win. “I want to do whatever it takes—scoring, defending, passing, or rebounding,” he noted.
Hammond also spoke about the differences between the Pac-12 and the Big 12, emphasizing the increased physicality and competitive pressure. “There are no nights off,” he explained. “Every team has talent, and every game will be a battle.” He praised the development of the team’s younger players, particularly the freshmen who have shown promise during preseason workouts. “Guys like Andrew Crawford and Felix Casara have the potential to make an impact right away,” he said.
Women’s Basketball: JR Payne’s Adaptation to a New-Look Roster
For the women’s team, head coach JR Payne is entering her ninth season at Colorado and is excited about the depth and versatility of this year’s squad, despite having 10 new players on the roster. The Buffaloes are coming off back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances and have high expectations for the upcoming season, which will feature their return to the Big 12.
Payne began her press conference by congratulating former Colorado star Jaylyn Sherrod on winning a WNBA title with the New York Liberty, using it as a reminder of the heights that Buffaloes players can reach. Transitioning to her own team, Payne acknowledged the challenge of integrating a large group of newcomers but expressed confidence in her core leaders, specifically senior guard Kindyll Wetta and forward Frida Formann. “We’ve got a very experienced group, not necessarily here at Colorado, but in terms of overall basketball experience,” Payne said. “The chemistry is building, and we’ve seen some great things in practice.”
Wetta, recognized as one of the nation’s top defenders, spoke about her evolving role. “I’ve always leaned on my defense, but this year, I’m stepping up offensively,” she said. “Coach Payne wants me to be more of a scoring threat, and I’ve been working on my jumper and decision-making in the paint.” Wetta emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining a high standard, especially with so many new faces. “Frida and I have been setting the tone, making sure everyone understands what Colorado basketball is all about.”
Payne also highlighted the importance of versatility in this year’s roster, noting that many of the new players can play multiple positions. “With the style we play, versatility reigns supreme,” she explained. “We have players who can switch roles seamlessly, which should help us adapt quickly to different situations.”
Despite being ranked ninth in the Big 12 preseason poll, Payne remained unfazed, focusing more on the end-of-season results. “Preseason rankings don’t matter to us,” she said. “We know what we’re capable of, and I believe we’ll finish much higher.”
Ski Program: Defending a National Championship
In addition to basketball, media day featured insights from Colorado’s Director of Skiing and Head Nordic Coach, Jana Weinberger. The ski team, fresh off a national championship, has set its sights on defending the title this season. Weinberger noted the challenges posed by losing key contributors like Magnus Boee, last year’s national champion, but expressed optimism about the incoming talent and overall team cohesion. “Our goal is clear: defend our national title at Dartmouth,” she stated.
Weinberger also highlighted the differences in geography and snow conditions, pointing out that the team will have to adapt to the unfamiliar terrain in New Hampshire. “The Nordic team will face new ski trails, while the Alpine team will have to contend with icier conditions,” she said. “But coming from altitude to sea level should give us an advantage.”
Key Takeaways and Outlook
The overarching theme of Colorado’s media day was one of adaptation, whether it be integrating new players, transitioning to a more competitive conference, or defending a national title in a different environment. Both basketball teams are aiming high, with aspirations to compete at the top of the Big 12 standings and make deep NCAA Tournament runs.
The men’s team, led by veterans like Hammond and bolstered by promising freshmen, is preparing for a grueling schedule filled with tough opponents. Boyle’s emphasis on player development and competitiveness will be crucial as the Buffaloes navigate the new conference landscape.
On the women’s side, Payne is confident that her team’s versatility and depth will be key factors in achieving success this season. With Wetta taking on a more prominent offensive role and players like Formann providing leadership, the Buffaloes are poised to exceed expectations and build on their recent postseason runs.
As both teams gear up for the start of the season, there is a palpable sense of excitement and determination. Whether on the court or the slopes, Colorado’s student-athletes are ready to embrace the challenges ahead, embodying a culture of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
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