Moving forward: Bangot Dak’s road back to the court

Bangot Dak rises up over Alon Michaeli during Colorado practice (Photo by Jacob Hock/Sko Buffs Sports)

Bangot Dak’s injury was more than a minor setback. It became a defining moment in his college career, one that tested his body and his resolve. 

As college basketball is ramping back up in the 2025-2026 season, Dak is finally cleared and back on the floor, ready to show how this challenge made him stronger.

For Colorado’s junior forward, 7-foot Bangot Dak, the game has always been about movement, whether it was running the floor in transition, rotating on defense, or high-flying for a highlight reel of a dunk. Though many athletes face injuries at some point in their careers, for some, it simply becomes part of the game. 

During the offseason, Dak suffered from a slight medial meniscus tear in his knee, which did require surgery. It happened in his hometown of Lincoln, Neb., where he was playing a game of pickup ball. The injury caused him to miss much of the summer offseason, including valuable time for team development and all of the program's Australian exhibition games. 

“I was like, ‘No way. I tore my meniscus because you know, I was kind of still walking around on it, moving well, I was taking pretty good care of it,” Dak said. “I was icing the whole day; if I wasn't on the court, I was just taking care of my knee.”

Now entering the new season with a revamped team, Dak was officially cleared to return as of late September. The injury became a turning point, as it shifted his perspective beyond basketball. After witnessing the program's high points, as they had quite the notable year in 2023, from a downfall in 2024, “BD” was able to reflect on what this specific hurdle meant for him. 

“One thing I learned about myself is that I have what it takes to get over a hump like that,” Dak said. “I just learned that there's gonna be a lot of tough times, but it all gets better.”

Even while easing back into full-speed practices, BD is showing great care throughout movements. He’s also showing leadership through his approach to recovery. During practice on Monday, Oct. 13, Dak was doing pushups on the sideline while the rest of his team would run sprints up and down the court. 

“I wasn’t able to finish practice today,” Dak said. “I don’t want to put any stress on my leg, but I also don’t want it to look like I’m not doing anything while they’re all running.”

Through showing responsibility in nurturing the injured leg, BD sets a standard for the young players. Even though he may not yet train at the same intensity as his teammates, he continues to put in work in every way possible.

CU’s basketball home opener is scheduled for Nov. 3rd at the CU Events Center. Leading up to tip-off, Dak is focused on balancing his recovery with his desire to compete. Known for his aggressive defensive play and high energy, Dak is working to regain that edge while being mindful of his health.

“Every day I want to get out there and go on the court, but every day my body probably won't let me,” Dak said.  “So I got to make sure to take care of it and just realize I got a whole season ahead of me…I'm going to be able to be out there, hopefully for every game.”

The coaching staff has played a major role in managing Dak’s recovery. Tad Boyle emphasized the importance of communication and patience throughout the process.

“I think listening to him, listening to the need, he's gotta do that. He's gotta make sure he's communicating with our training staff, strengthening staff, and all the people that are here to help him,” Boyle said. “So it is a balancing act right now.”

Now that Dak has returned to full team activities, his excitement to be back on the court is clear. Finally getting to move with the team sets in a great feeling for what is to come. 

BD knows even with an injury, that winning is the goal, no matter what it takes. When he is back to 100%, his goal is to be dominant on the defensive side of the ball.

“I just want people to be like, ‘Oh, I don't want this guy guarding me,”’ Dak said. “I want them to feel my presence when I'm guarding them.”

With his determination, maturity and leadership, Dak’s comeback isn’t just about recovery, it’s about growth. For the Buffs, his return represents more than another player getting healthy. It’s a reminder of what resilience looks like in motion.