How Justin Neely's background prepared him for Colorado career
After losing two straight seasons to injury, Colorado Buffaloes forward Justin Neely bounced back, becoming one of the best rebounders in the country. In the spring of 2026, Neely transferred to Colorado, bringing with him an important mindset.
“If you work hard, things will work out,” Neely said.
In 2021, Neely graduated from West Oaks Academy in Miami, Florida, not only as a top-50 recruit in the state, according to 247Sports, but also as his class valedictorian.
Despite Neely’s resume and work ethic, the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of the transfer portal hurt his recruitment. Schools that were calling Neely stopped and looked to more proven talent in the portal. Still, Neely found a home with the Albany Great Danes, a school willing to give him a chance to play as a freshman.
During his time with Albany, Neely excelled, earning America East Conference Rookie of the Year, conference Sixth Man of the Year and conference Player of the Week honors six times.
But injuries slowed his career. Just weeks into his sophomore season, Neely tore his ACL, an injury that sidelined him for two seasons. Instead of pouting, Neely saw that time as an opportunity.
“It was a great time for me to sit back and reevaluate where I was at, and allow myself to create a new plan for my future,” Neely said.
After a final season with Albany in 2024, Neely’s new plan led him to the UNC Greensboro Spartans for the 2025-26 season. While at UNCG, Neely broke out, averaging 17.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He brought in 391 rebounds that season, the second-most in the nation.
A.J. Bajana, the UNCG coach in charge of Neely’s player development, saw his discipline from the get-go.
“It was every day, 8 a.m. Whether it was a good or bad day, it didn't matter. Justin was in the gym, bright and early,” Bajana said.
Just weeks after his only visit to Colorado, Neely committed to play for the Buffaloes.
“Hopefully I can make an impact in Colorado, make it a place I can always come back to,” Neely said.
As one of the older players in the locker room, Neely has become a “great leader,” freshman teammate Rider Portela told Sports Illustrated.
Bajana saw a different type of leader in Neely while at UNCG.
“[Neely and his teammates] may not have thousands of conversations, but when he shows up on the court, you're gonna feel him, and you're gonna trust him,” Bajana said. “... He’s a blueprint for drive and professionalism.”
Antonio Russo-Folco, Neely’s childhood friend and the person behind Neely’s social media, said Neely’s ability to overcome the challenges he has faced throughout his career is something special.
“Regardless of where he was in his career and the adversity he faced, his ability to persevere has been something that has always stood out to me,” Russo-Folco said.
Neely’s sixth and final year of collegiate basketball started on Nov. 2, when he scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds against the Abilene Christian Wildcats.
“I have less basketball ahead than behind,” said Neely on this phase of his career.“It doesn’t last forever, but you know, I got to try and make it last.”
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