Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Preview: Colorado Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes had an extremely successful 2011-2012 season. Colorado finished the season with an overall record of 24-12 and a Pac-12 conference record of 11-7. The main reason why it was a successful season for the Buffaloes was because of the streak they went on during the conference tournament.

Colorado won the Pac-12 Tournament crown after winning four games. One of those games included a shocking game against the Oregon Ducks where Colorado won 63-62. They earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament by winning the conference tournament and was an eleventh-seed. They played #6 seed UNLV in their first tournament game and won, but lost to #3 seed Baylor in the next round.

A big loss for the Buffaloes this season is Carlon Brown. Brown was the leader scorer for Colorado last season with 12.6 points per game. He also averaged 3.8 rebounds per game and 2.0 assists per game. He was one of the key performer for the team during their late run last year.

Mar 15, 2012; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Carlon Brown (30) celebrates with guards Spencer Dinwiddie (25) and Askia Booker (0) and forward Andre Roberson (21) in the game against the UNLV Rebels during the second half in the second round of the 2012 NCAA men

Despite the loss of Brown, Colorado will have Andre Roberson returning for the 2012-2013 season. Last season, he averaged a double-double the entire season with 11.6 points per game and 11.1 rebounds per game.

According to cubuffs.com, Roberson “set the CU single-season rebounding record (401) breaking a 58-year old mark previously set by Burdette Haldorson (1954-55)” and “set the single-season defensive rebounding record (290) breaking the 225 by Shaun Vandiver (1989-90), 23 years ago.”

This year will be a much different year for the Colorado Buffaloes. Honestly, it would be a surprise if they did anything in the Pac-12 this season. Mainly because of losing Carlon Brown.

Brown was a fuel for the Buffs late run last season. Yes, Andre Roberson is a quality player and will most likely average a double-double again this year. Colorado will most likely end up like last year’s Oregon Ducks team. Make a late season push, but fall just short on a tournament bid.

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