3 Takeaways from Colorado Men's Basketball Media Day

In the Pac-12 preseason media poll, the Buffaloes were predicted to finish 9th in the conference. We're two weeks away from Colorado’s first exhibition game, and it seems like the team isn’t willing to accept the idea of a “rebuild” season.

Throughout the duration of practice, head coach Tad Boyle was animated with the team in talking about cleaning up the fundamental mistakes. He repeatedly talked about elevating their play to the next level so they can be a great, not good team.

Following the departures of Derrick White and Xavier Johnson, senior guard George King seems primed to take on a expanded leadership role with the team. Not only is he the team’s leading returning scorer, but he’s a guy who has a demonstrated ability to remain composed, and proven he can lead by example. After practice, King was vocal in setting the tone for the season by sending a message to everyone who’s doubted the team thus far.

“I can’t control that [the media poll],” King said. “Call it what you want, but we know as a team what we’re capable of, and we know we’ll be slept on this year. We’ll use that to our advantage. We got the guys who have that in their heart, who use that to their advantage, to put that chip on their shoulder, so I’m excited.”

The doubt within the media has forced many of the guys on the team to push themselves harder each and everyday. They’re extremely focused on the little things such as staying an extra ten minutes in the film room, and putting up extra shots, to get better. The hard work and dedication should yield results as the team will have an easier time adapting to various unexpected situations once the season starts.