CU Buffs' banner year was a preview of more excitement in 2024

The holidays are in full swing around the world and it’s hard not to look back at this past calendar year and not be grateful for what has taken place at CU. The “Prime Effect” was the nation’s top story with Deion Sanders taking home SI’s 2023 Sportsperson of the Year. But there was more than Coach Prime’s first year in Boulder to make headlines.

CU athletic director Rick George knocked it out of the park with the hiring of Sanders. It was the start of a new era in Boulder with a football team that has seen better days. Bringing the Hall-of-Famer to Colorado was a spark that lit the fire for one of the most talked about programs in the country. Coach Prime turned a team that was 1-11 into a competitor in the Pac-12. It was a start of things to come with Sanders and his staff nailing down the top recruiting class via the transfer portal.

The Buffs players are becoming household names across America, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter. Both of whom could be Heisman candidate’s next season. It is still hard to believe that the only Heisman award winner CU has produced is the late great Rashaan Salaam. Not to mention, five-star offensive lineman Jordan Seaton made his commitment decision on FOX Sports’ Undisputed. A once dying program has life once again and a chance next season to be in the college football playoff race and the national championship. All thanks to George and Sanders.

Colorado’s success doesn’t stop with football. Look at what the men’s and women’s basketball programs have done on the hardwood. JR Payne’s team made it to their first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance since 2003 and this year knocked off the top-ranked defending champion LSU Tigers to start the season in Las Vegas. The Buffs are currently 10-1 on the season going into the holiday break and they are showing that they are a complete team.

Payne has four players averaging double-digits in points on the season, with Frida Formann (15.4), Aaronette Vonleh (15.2), Jaylyn Sherrod (13.0), and Quay Miller (10.2), who have all been the model of consistency. Like the football team, the Buffs are looking to return to their glory days that they had under CU legend Ceal Barry. The Lady Buffs are looking for its first back-to-back NCAA tourney appearance since the early 2000’s when Barry roamed the court. The Buffs have been ranked in the top 10 for the past six weeks with the only loss coming in the Bahamas to NC State. With eight players returning from last year’s squad, you can see this team has the experience, chemistry, and talent to win the Pac-12 championship and be a force in the NCAA Tourney.

The men’s side is also having another solid season under head coach Tad Boyle. The Buffaloes are 9-2 on the year and are led by Tristan da Silva and KJ Simpson. Both have made national preseason honors lists. Simpson is 23rd in the nation in scoring, averaging 19.9 points per game. While da Silva isn’t far behind and averages 15.7 points per game. Former McDonald's All-American Cody Williams has been a key contributor as well to the Buffs strong start. The Buffs have won four in a row as they get a little time off before they begin conference play on December 29 against the Washington Huskies. Colorado is the third best shooting team in the nation and they also look to get back to the NCAA Tourney for the first time since 2021. The Buffs have been consistent on the year and heading into 2024 there is no reason we shouldn’t see CU Events Center packed for games.

The 2023 calendar year was a fun one and no doubt that 2024 is going to be even more exciting. It is great to know that CU is in the perfect spot when it comes to athletics. Thank you for a great 2023 and looking forward to even better 2024.