Colorado basketball fans see first of new young core

Freshman Colorado Buffaloes guard Isaiah Johnson squares up to fellow first-year guard Jalin Holland (#11) during Saturday's Black and Gold Scrimmage. (Photo by Jacob Hock/Sko Buffs Sports)

Fans got their first look at the next era of Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball during the Black and Gold intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday at the CU Events Center. 

The scrimmage offered four 10-minute segments with rotating rosters and put on a quality display of what is to come. What stood out most was the freshmen’s poise, many of whom came out ready to play with immense energy and physicality. 

After a rough 2024-2025 season and the departures of multiple primary players to the transfer portal, CU now brings a new identity in head coach Tad Boyle’s 16th season. He has equipped Colorado with a roster defined by youth, energy and international flavor.

Colorado welcomed seven freshmen this offseason, a class that draws attention for its mix of size, versatility and confidence. They are:

Jalin Holland (G, 6-foot-5) 

Fawaz “Tacko” Ifaola (C, 7-foot) 

Isaiah Johnson (G, 6-foot-1)

Ian Inman (G, 6-foot-6)

Josiah Sanders (G, 6-foot-5)

Alon Michaeli (F, 6-foot-9)

Leonardo Van Elswyk (C, 7-foot-1)

This new group includes three international standouts, consisting of Michaeli (Israel), Ifaola (Nigeria) and Van Elswyk (Italy/Canada), giving the Buffs a global edge to match their youth movement.

During the scrimmage, CU fans got an exceptional view of what Johnson had to offer, leading the way with his sharp shooting from beyond the arc and steady two-way play. He also found himself on every winning lineup of the day, a sign of how quickly he impacts both ends of the floor.

Another scorer that stood out Saturday was Inman. He showcased a savvy offensive feel, draining 3s and making smart reads on the floor.

At 6-foot-5, Sanders brought pure energy. His physical play vigorously focused the audience's attention. The dominance in the paint, defensive play and overall aggression was astonishing, bringing in multiple and-ones, while continuing to have a solid offensive game with a handful of 3s.

Bringing in a youngster like this is thrilling for Colorado, as Sanders not only brought a burst of energy but also had a commendable overall game on both ends. 

Ifaola set the tone defensively. At 7-foot, he controlled the paint with his size and physicality, but what impressed most was his voice. Constantly communicating, encouraging, and directing traffic, Ifaola carried himself like a veteran. 

“I’ve seen a lot of crowds,” Ifaola said after practice the day before the scrimmage. “I’m just going to go out there and be myself.”

Michaeli also turned heads in his debut for CU fans, showing his versatility with efficient shooting and tough defense. Displaying strength on both ends of the court, getting shots up, along with the tough defense he played, he showed composure and strength while balancing finesse with hustle. 

Holland also had a promising game, with a steady effort on both ends, flashing the athleticism that made him a four-star prospect and showing no hesitation in taking key shots.

Postgame, Boyle described the effort put in leading up to Saturday and what was shown to fans for the first time this season. 

“We're getting in better shape, but I think our effort is good,” Boyle said. “We have to learn how to play hard and execute when we get tired, and when your body gets tired, your mind gets tired, and we can't let that happen.”

This new chapter of Colorado basketball was played with a lighter, sharper and hungrier energy on Saturday. It was seen in the way these freshmen move, how they communicate on the court and the spark that flashes every time one of them dives for a loose ball or takes a difficult shot.