Colorado University Athletics
Buffs' Chemistry A Key Part Of Success Thus Far
January 03, 2020 | Men's Basketball, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — They came in as freshmen in 2017, part of a recruiting class that Colorado head coach Tad Boyle predicted would have a significant impact on the program before their CU careers were over.
Today, four members of that group — McKinley Wright IV, Tyler Bey, D'Shawn Schwartz and Evan Battey — are the foundation of a Buffaloes team that is showing the potential of producing a very special season.
The four have started every game this season for Boyle's Buffs, who take a 12-2 overall record (1-0 Pac-12) into Sunday's 4 p.m. game against Oregon State at the CU Events Center.. They represent CU's top four scorers, three of the top four rebounders, and the team leader in assists, steals and blocks. In Thursday's 74-65 win over No. 4 Oregon, they combined for 55 points, 23 rebounds and 10 assists. One of the four has been the team's leading scorer in 12 of CU's 14 games this year.
But it's more than simply numbers. Equally important is the core of a team chemistry they have formed. These Buffs practice well together, play well together and enjoy each other's successes every night.
"'The chemistry on this team is as good as we've ever had," Boyle said. "I'm not saying it wasn't good that (2012 Pac-12 tournament) championship team that Nate (Tomlinson) was on, Spencer (Dinwiddie) and Askia (Booker) were freshmen. That was good chemistry, there's no doubt about it. This is the next group. Those are the two best chemistry groups we've had since we've been here."
But those 2012 Buffs were a blend of upperclassmen and youngsters.
These current Buffs have grown up together. They have learned alongside each other and matured. Now they are a veteran group that can anticipate and take advantage of each of their particular strengths and skills.
"I think that's why they're so tight and cohesive," Boyle said. "They've accepted (their roles) … That group of juniors, before it's all said and done, might be the best recruiting class in Colorado basketball history in my opinion."
That growth process has produced a tight-knit bunch that has endured its share of highs and lows and yielded the maturity that goes with such a process. That experience in tight situations this year has produced wins over two ranked teams (Oregon and Dayton) and a top-25 NET ranking.
"It's been huge for us," Wright said after Friday's practice. "A lot of us came in together, a lot of us were freshmen together. You learn each other's game, figure out how to play with each other. It kind of developed us to now. We're older, a veteran group — we know how to play with each other more than we did as freshmen."
One of the biggest benefits has been a group that has placed team over individual accomplishments — a delicate balance that is sometimes hard to achieve.
"It works out big time for us," Wright said. "You never know who's night it's going to be. We have so many weapons on this team. It's fun to see a different guy step up on any given night and the team behind that guy 100 percent. We all support each other. We all want to see each other be successful in life and make money off playing this sport. When another guy gets it going, it's love coming from everybody."
KEY MINUTES FOR STRATING: After playing in just two of CU's previous eight games, junior Alex Strating delivered five key minutes off the bench in Thursday's win over Oregon. Strating had two points and a rebound in his time, and also delivered some solid post defense after Battey was called for his second foul in the first half.
Strating had totaled just 17 minutes of playing time this season prior to the Oregon game. But as in the past, especially down the stretch last season, Boyle showed he wasn't afraid to put the 6-7 forward in during clutch situations.
"We see what he does, we see what he's about," Boyle said. "He's a guy that prepares himself and when his number's called you know he's going to be ready. Last night was a testament to him and his mental toughness. He's got the respect of his teammates and he sure as hell has the respect of his head coach. I'm not afraid to put him in against anybody."
FIRST LOOK OREGON STATE: The Beavers (10-3, 0-1) are coming off an 81-69 loss to Utah on Thursday. OSU trailed by just three midway through the second half before the Utes used a 16-5 run to put the game away.
OSU is led by 6-7 senior Tres Tinkle, the Pac-12's preseason player of the year. Tinkle, son of Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle, is second in the conference in scoring (20.3 points per game) and ninth in rebounding (7.1 rpg). Point guard Ethan Thompson is averaging 15.7 points and 4.5 assists.
The Buffs should have no trouble getting up for the Beavers. Last year, Oregon State came to Boulder and erased a nine-point CU first-half lead to come away with a 76-74 win.
"We're expecting high level game, a dogfight," Boyle said. "It's league play. You take nothing for granted. We can't, and I don't think our team will."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
