How Sebastian Rancik has young Colorado team ready for first major test

Colorado forward Sebastian Rancik fires off a contested shot against Montana State. (Photo by Kekoa Brown/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado Buffaloes star forward Sebastian Rancik has become a ‘veteran’ leader for his team in 2025. Despite being just a sophomore himself, he has taken the reins of the Buffs as they head into a daunting Big East matchup.

The Colorado Buffaloes are set to take on the Providence Friars on Nov. 14 in a game that is sure to feature its fair share of offense. Both teams are averaging over 93 points per game and are loaded with scorers at almost every position. 

Alongside fellow forward Bangot Dak, Rancik has not only emerged as one of those scorers for the Buffaloes but also as a tremendous leader.

“They’re two of our most experienced and talented players,” Colorado head coach Tad Boyle said pre-season. “I’m expecting a lot out of both [Dak and Rancik] this year, especially from that leadership perspective.”

That leadership has been exemplified in 2025, and as the Buffaloes prepare to face a tough Providence team, he has a standard of excellence he intends to model for the young group around him.

It starts with the scouting report, and Rancik feels prepared for the Friars’ top stars. 

First, a forward he will likely match up with on Friday, Oswin Erhunmwunse. The 6’10” sophomore has yet to miss a shot through his first three games of the 2025 season while also averaging nine rebounds per game. 

“He seems like a big, physical five-man,” Rancik said. “He works in the post…[he is] a physical body for rebounds and a really good rim protector.”

But Providence’s dangerous offense flows through its two guards, Jason Edwards and Jaylin Sellers. The pair average 17.7 and 16.7 points per game, respectively, with Edwards recording 28 points in the Friars’ overtime loss to the Virginia Tech Hokies.

“Their guards are very talented as well,” Rancik added. “They can make some tough shots, and it’ll be important for us to contain the ball and keep the ball in front of us.”

He wouldn’t be seen as a leader if not for his preparation, but just as important is the overall youth of this team. The Buffaloes feature eight total freshmen (including redshirt), but it’s a group Rancik has been impressed with early in the season

“[They are] a very talented group of freshmen, for sure,” Rancik said. “...They’re all really talented, they all have their own skillsets and they all bring something special to the table for the coaches.”

Being one of the few returning players from Colorado’s 14-20 (3-17 Big 12) season, he has the unique ability to compare this team to that of 2024 first-hand. In his comparison of the two, he has seen drastic improvements amid the high level of player turnover.

“The competitiveness of the individuals,” Ranick said. “Also, the talent, in a way. Overall, the hunger, but we’ve still got a long way to go.”

As Colorado prepares for its toughest test of the non-conference schedule yet, Rancik aims to take it upon himself to ensure his team’s preparedness. 

“It starts on defense,” Rancik said. “That’s been a focus this week, just defense, defense, defense and rebounding. That’s what we’ve got to do if we want to be successful on Friday.”