Barrington Hargress’ leadership setting an example for Buffs' young guards
As he enters his fifth season of college basketball, Barrington Hargress’ leadership will be key to the Buffaloes’ success in the Big 12. Hargress has the most collegiate experience on the roster this year, and his understanding of the game will play a huge role in developing the team's young guards. He will remain the anchor of the Colorado backcourt this season alongside newcomer Alex Dickeson.
He shined during his first year in Boulder last season, averaging 14.5 points per game and a team-high 4.7 assists per game. Hargress posted the highest field-goal percentage among Big 12 guards at 53.1% and led the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.7.
With this being Hargress’ last year for Colorado, the Buffs will need a new man to step in and take the point guard reins. Dickeson looks poised to take over that role after learning from Hargress throughout the summer and preseason.
Hargress talked about the chemistry he and Dickeson had on the court after Sunday’s win against North Texas in the Mile High Hoops Classic exhibition.
“It's just really natural. He’s a smart player, very selfless, so it makes it easy on both of us. I know his strengths, he knows my strengths, so we just try to bring that out of each other,” Hargress said. “I think that the more we play together — the more we’re going to get used to what we like in games, and we’re going to be able to grow as a club.”
Dickeson is one of many young players and transfers on the Buffs roster this year. Hargress’ experience and ability to lead by example will be key to helping the new players flourish in this Colorado system. He emphasized the importance of understanding his teammates and finding ways to help them succeed at Big 12 media day.
“I’m just taking pride in understanding how my teammates are feeling, what I can do to make them succeed, and also just understanding what I need to succeed,” Hargress said via CU Athletics.
He finished with 14 points and three boards in 29 minutes in Sunday's win and credited North Texas’ physicality as a good test for Colorado after the game.
“We came in with the mentality understanding that this is a team that has Big 12 defensive principles. I think that was a really good test for us to just get to play against a physical team that prides themselves on physicality.”
That test was the first of many ahead of the Buffaloes this season, as Hargress will look to keep elevating the players around him and set Colorado up for future success.
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