Colorado University Athletics
MEN?S HOOPS OPENS SEASON MONDAY NIGHT
BOULDER ? All the hours of practice, learning plays, conditioning and weight training all come together Monday night for the University of Colorado men’s basketball team as the 2004-05 season tips-off against the College of Charleston, 7 p.m. at the Coors Events Center in the first round of the Preseason NIT.
CU is one of 16 schools participating in the 2004 Preseason National Invitational Tournament that was inaugurated in 1985 and kicks off on campus sites throughout the nation with first round action November 15th and 16th. The second round follows up on November 17th, 18th and 19th with the semi-final and championship doubleheaders coming to New York’s Madison Square Garden on November 24th and 26th.
The CU/College of Charleston winner will play Michigan or Binghamton, Wednesday, Nov. 17 on ESPN at a site to be determined. If Michigan wins their game they will host CU or CofC.
Head Coach Ricardo Patton begins his ninth season at the helm of the Buffaloes with a youthful presence of 14 underclassmen including 10 garnering the junior class, four of which are junior transfers ready to make their mark. The 14 underclassmen are the most of any Buffs team since 13 players suited up back in the 1995-95 season.
Junior guard Jayson Obazuaye is the lone returning starter from last year’s team that went 18-11 and earned a NIT berth.
“We have a pretty good blend of talent and playing experience when you talk about the junior college transfers,” said Patton speaking of his four such players during the summer. “We need them to help us right away. Of course, the guys that are returning have played a lot as freshmen and sophomores, so it’s a great blend and the two components will compliment each other.”
Returning to the Buffs this year are six experienced veterans that have contributed over the last two seasons whether in a starting role or as a reserve off the bench. Back for their third year are juniors Chris Copeland, Glean Eddy, Antoine McGee, Scott Senger, and Obazuaye. Sophomore Marcus Hall also saw significant playing time his freshman year.
Adding to the mix of returning talent are another pair of student-athletes ready to make their presence felt for the first time this season. Andy Osborn (6-9, 230) and Keith Smith (6-6, 220) enter their first season after transferring and red-shirting, respectively.
Entering their first season is a quintet comprised of two freshmen and three junior-transfers. Freshmen Marcus King-Stockton (6-9, 185) and Richard Roby (6-6, 190) highlight their initial season with junior transfers Lamont Arrington (6-11, 215), Julius Ashby (6-9, 220), and Martane Freeman (6-6, 195).
The Buffs will also be televised 18 times this season with eight games on Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain (four home, four away), nine times on ESPN Plus (six home, three away), and once on ABC (at Kansas, Feb. 12).
Monday’s game will not be televised, however will be broadcast on 760-AM.