For head coach Tad Boyle, it’s too early to assess what the identity is going to fully look like on the hardwood this season for his latest Colorado squad.

The Buffs held their first open (to the media) practice on Monday, and the gym certainly felt different without signature CU players like KJ Simpson (Charlotte Hornets), Tristan da Silva (Orlando Magic) or Luke O’Brien (Georgia Tech) on the floor. Boyle has had to regroup after losing his starting five from last season as each player went on to pursue new endeavors.

This season Boyle and his staff brought together three experienced transfers, from both inside and outside of the Power 4 conferences, and added freshmen talent while returning players like Julian Hammond and Javon Ruffin are holding down the old roots of a previous roster that grew up together in the Buffs’ program.

“You always look at the talent aspect,” Boyle said. “I see enough talent out there, and I don't see a lot of experience. And there's no substitute for experience. I wish I had a fast forward button like you do on your remote at home, but it doesn't work like that. So the returning players were here last year, they were in practices, and they know what the expectation level is, but they didn't get the minutes maybe that they thought they deserved or wanted. And so, that's an opportunity.

“The new guys came here. They know the opportunity that's in front of them in terms of the guys we lost. It's going to be an interesting preseason. The first 30 practices, we learn a lot, but I think we'll continue to learn as the games come through November and December.”