Barrington Hargress offers insight into Colorado's summer workouts

Barrington Hargress during Colorado's 2026 Big 12 Tournament game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (Photo by Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports).

It has been a hectic offseason for the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball squad. From losing star players like Sebastian Rancik and Bangot Dak to coaching staff changes, it is no secret that the upcoming season is surrounded by uncertainty. 

Rebuilding a team is a long process that does not happen overnight. It takes leadership, experience and patience. Luckily for the Buffs, senior guard Barrington Hargress possesses all those traits and more.  

Hargress is entering his second year with Colorado and will transition into a bigger leadership role. As a rising redshirt senior and returning Buff, Hargress knows what it takes to play in head coach Tad Boyle’s system and is expected to be a role model for the younger players.

“Being more vocal and making sure everybody is always on the same page,” said Hargress on his goals for the 2026 season. “If there is any type of confusion, they can look to me to get them in the spot where they should be and where they will be most effective.”

With a handful of newcomers, Hargress and the returners will be tasked with creating a strong team chemistry. Freshman guard Amir Jones feels like the team has formed a tight connection quickly.

“We are definitely already becoming a family,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to having a full season with them.”

Jones is one of seven incoming freshmen recruited by Boyle’s staff, equaling the number of freshmen on the squad last year. As Boyle pointed out during the offseason last year, it takes dozens of practices and film sessions for the collection of players to grow into a team. 

Despite the challenge this presents, Hargress has high praise for the freshman class. 

“When I look at all the freshmen, I’ve seen nothing but guys that have gotten into the gym, gotten into very difficult practices and have played their hearts out,” Hargress said.

It’s not just the newcomers. Hargress has seen a dedicated work ethic from returners like guards Ian Inman, Josiah Sanders and Jalin Holland. 

Colorado Buffaloes guard Ian Inman slams down a dunk in pregame warmups (Photo by Jacob Hock/Sko Buffs Sports).

“We’ve all been in the gym just grinding together,” Hargress said. “Seeing what we can do. Seeing how we can play off of each other.”

It has been rewarding for Hargress to see the improvements his returning teammates made from last year. 

“Seeing Josiah [Sanders] get more comfortable with his decision-making and the shots that he takes… allowing Ian [Inman] to grow as a full-on scorer and being better as a defender…With Jalin [Holland], giving him the confidence to be an All-Big 12 defender.” 

Although last season did not go quite as planned, Hargress still has full trust and faith in Boyle’s system. 

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Tad Boyle looks on during the 2025 Rocky Mountain Classic against the Colorado State Rams (Photo by Ryan Asaro/Sko Buffs Sports).

“I believe that he knows what it takes to have a good team,” Hargress said. “I think that the guys that he brought this season have been what we need.”

The Buffaloes have missed March Madness in back-to-back seasons, and Hargress is determined to change that. He knows Colorado still has a long way to go before punching its ticket to the Big Dance, but understands the journey starts now. 

“I think what this team has to do is play every game like it's our last,” Hargress said.