Buffaloes Rebuild with Portal Picks, Fresh Talent

0:00On April 22nd, Colorado Buffalo's just hit a roster earthquake with 10 players bolting for the transfer portal. Centres Elijah Malone and Leo Van Ellswike jumped in this week, Malone chasing an extra year of eligibility. That leaves them with just five returners from last season squad, but Coach Tad Boyle's already counter-punching to rebuild. Leading the charge back his star-point guard, Barrington Hargras, who dropped 14.4 points per game as their number two score. He topped the team with 4.5 assists, stepping up as the vocal vet. Athletic director Fernando Lovo hyped him on X as the Big 12's most-efficient guard, shooting 53.1% from the field with A. League best, 3.7 assists to turn over ratio. Rallying around Hargras are three freshman guards showing serious upside. Jalen Holland locked down as their top on-ball defender, ready for bigger minutes if he dodges fouls. Jalen and Min lit it up from deep on hot streaks, primed to expand his game.

1:00Then there's Josiah Sanders, Colorado's top high school recruit, a freak athlete who could dominate if his shot clicks. Boyle snacked one portal gem already, 6-10 forward. Noah Federson from North Dakota State, a rebounding scorer with two years left. On recruiting, they locked in Arizona, forward Ryder Portella, averaging 12.5 and 5.9 boards as a senior, plus two Aussie MBO vets, a lead defender Gakmalul, who might start day 1, and score Alex Dickerson adapting to college ball. With six spots still open and forwards visiting in April, Boyle Squad is a work in progress. Expect more moves as the portal spins, shaping a mystery, buffs team that could surprise come, 2026.