Three Players Colorado Buffaloes Need to Step Up in The Crown

The Colorado Buffaloes have lost several important pieces in the transfer portal, and if they want to advance in the College Basketball Crown, there are three players who must step up.

Feb 4, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Tad Boyle reacts on the sideline during the first half against the Baylor Bears at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes are set to match up with the Oklahoma Sooners in the College Basketball Crown Tournament, but the Buffaloes will be without several key players following a lot of transfer portal activity this week. Colorado coach Tad Boyle will have the difficult task of finding a great lineup combination to give the Buffaloes success following these losses.

The key losses include freshman guard Isaiah Johnson, forward Bangot Dak and forward Sebastian Rancik. Johnson, Dak and Rancik were all crucial parts of Colorado on both sides of the floor, and their losses will be felt against Oklahoma on Wednesday night.

With these players out of the lineup, there are three key players who must step up if the Buffaloes want a chance to advance.

Guard Barrington Hargress

Feb 14, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Barrington Hargress (24) controls the ball while being defended by BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) during the second half at the Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images | Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

Guard Barrington Hargress has decided to return to Boulder for next season, and as a result, he must continue to grow as a leader, starting in this tournament. Hargress has had one of his better seasons at the college level in Colorado during 2025, where he found a great balance of playmaking and scoring at an efficient level. 

This season, Hargress has averaged 14.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Hargress’s efficiency in his shooting has been something to watch this season. In his 2025 campaign, Hargress shot 53.1 percent from the field, 48.5 percent from the field, and 81.5 percent from the free-throw line. 

Against Oklahoma, the Buffaloes will look to Hargress to help the offense get going through his scoring as well as helping others find their shots. Hargress has been consistent all season long, but against the Sooners, Colorado will need his best to earn the victory. 

Guard Ian Inman

Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Ian Inman (0) drives to the basket around Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Ryan Crotty (24) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

With the losses for Colorado, freshman guard Ian Inman has a great opportunity to continue the success he has had during 2025. Inman has been a great option for Colorado off the bench during the season when the Buffaloes have needed an extra push. 

He has not had a major role in every game, but when called upon, he has been able to provide great scoring. For the season, Inman is averaging 3.9 points and one rebound per game with the flexibility to provide scoring from all areas. Inman has shot 41.8 percent from the field, 37 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line. 

Inman has progressed throughout the season as someone Colorado can call on to help put the team over the top in the minutes he plays. His best performance was against Kansas State, where he went 5-for-7 beyond the arc and showed that he can be one of the better shooters on the roster and make a name for himself in the Big 12. 

This opportunity in the College Basketball Crown for Inman could help him to gain confidence, but also ensure a role for himself on the 2026 team for the Buffaloes. 

Forward Alon Michaeli

Mar 3, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes forward Alon Michaeli (3) drives against Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) during the first half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Forward Alon Michaeli has been a player that Colorado has started to rely on a bit more later in this season, especially with the injury of Rancik. With both Dak and Rancik now not playing in the front court, there is a very likely possibility that Michaeli might find himself in the starting lineup Wednesday night.

As a result, Michaeli must bring the physicality for Colorado to help defend the rim as well as box out on the defensive end to limit Oklahoma’s offensive rebounds. The Buffaloes, near the end of the season, struggled to do both of those things, and if they want to make a run in this tournament, they must find a way to be better in those areas. 

Mar 3, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes forward Alon Michaeli (3) reacts to a play against the Utah Utes during the first half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

For the season, Michaeli has been able to add some solid minutes for Colorado as he has averaged 6.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Michaeli does have the ability to stretch the floor, as he shot 30 percent from three and 39.6 percent from the field. However, at times, he struggled at the free-throw line, where he shot 67.4 percent.

With Michaeli being a freshman, this tournament allows him to earn a spot in Colorado’s starting lineup next season and beyond. If he does want to do that, rebounding and a defensive presence in the paint will be essential.

As a result of all the losses to the transfer portal, Colorado appears to be an underdog against Oklahoma. However, if Hargress, Inman and Michaeli can all step up, this could be a game Colorado keeps close and has the opportunity to win down the stretch.

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