Five Colorado Men's Basketball Breakout Candidates

A look at five players on the Colorado Buffaloes’ men’s basketball roster who could break out in 2026.

Feb 21, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Tad Boyle reacts in the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

As the Colorado Buffaloes continue to craft their roster for the 2026 season, a number of their new players will prepare to take on larger roles than they ever have before.

Here’s a look at five Buffaloes who could have breakout seasons in 2026.

Guard Jalin Holland

Feb 25, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Jalin Holland (11) defends on Kansas State Wildcats guard PJ Haggerty (4) in the first half at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Holland emerged as Colorado’s defensive cornerstone in 2025. As a freshman, he made his way into the starting lineup as the Buffaloes’ best on-ball defender.

In 2026, he will be a part of the starting lineup for the full season, giving him a larger sample size to display his abilities. 

He struggled offensively as a freshman, though, averaging just 4.9 points per game on 38.9 percent shooting. He also led the team in fouls per game with 2.4. However, if his offensive production can come around and he can stay out of foul trouble, Holland could emerge as a star of the future for CU.

Guard Josiah Sanders

Feb 1, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Josiah Sanders (5) shoots the ball in the second half against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

As a former four-star recruit and the No. 1 prospect from the state of Colorado according to 247Sports, Sanders’s potential has never been in question. He possesses all the physical tools of a guard who can work the interior, and he may be asked to play a considerable amount of small forward in 2026.

In 2025, he displayed capable rebounding ability and the ability to finish through contact at the rim. But his mid-range and 3-point shooting left much to be desired. He averaged just 4.4 points per game on 46.4 percent shooting. He also shot a dismal 12.5 percent from 3-point range. 

Sanders needs to use 2026 to develop his shot, but it's certainly within reach given the extra playing time he will receive. If he can combine his physicality with a consistent shot, the sky is the limit for the type of player he can become in Boulder.

Guard Ian Inman

Feb 11, 2026; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Ian Inman (0) walks up court in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images | Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Inman is the third member of Colorado’s key returners from the 2025 freshman class. He has shown potential to become a premier scoring option for the Buffaloes, and if he becomes a bit more well-rounded, he can be a star for CU.

His 3-point shooting is what caught the eyes of fans throughout the year. He caught fire from beyond the arc against the then-No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Kansas State Wildcats and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. 

He nailed four-straight 3-pointers against the Red Raiders and was one of the few bright spots in a 78-44 road loss for CU.

Against K-State, he made five 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 17 points. And he kept the Buffs in the game against Oklahoma State, hitting three 3-pointers in their Big 12 Tournament loss.

He struggled defensively and rarely drove the ball to the interior, but if he can make that a part of his game in 2026, he could carve out a spot as a breakout star in the starting lineup.

Forward Goc Malual

While making this video about the new #CUBuffs pickup, Goc Malual, one play stood out:

With the game on the line, Malual dove to pick off a pass, leading to a game-tying 3. Australia went on to beat Cameroon in 2OT, and Malual finished with 8 pts, 9 rebs and 4 stocks. https://t.co/yJMQmHoB1x pic.twitter.com/0Szs5tbIax

— Oliver Hayes (@ocuhayes) March 25, 2026

Malual will also be key to Colorado’s defensive success. He was a premier defender for the Sydney Kings in the Australian National Basketball League in 2025, and looks to be the same for the Buffs.

He brings rare pro experience to a relatively young Colorado team, and although he will have to adjust to the American game, he should shine in a thin front court.

Forward Rider Portela

Sunnyslope guard Rider Portela (15) celebrates winning MVP during the Open Boys Championship game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on March 7, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Portela was a four-star recruit in the class of 2026, according to 247Sports. It listed him as the No. 10 recruit from the state of Arizona, the No. 39 small forward and the No. 104 overall recruit in the class of 2026. 

Similarly to Malual, Portela will benefit from how thin Colorado’s front court is. He’ll likely see substantial playing time despite his youth and, therefore, have plenty of opportunities to break out on offense. He averaged 12.5 points per game as a senior and 13.2 points per game as a junior at Sunnyslope High School.

Portela is a lanky forward, standing 6-6, 175 pounds, but if Tad Boyle and his staff can create plays for Portela to find open looks, he could make his way into the starting lineup as a viable scoring option.

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