Newcomers shine as Colorado hosts annual Black and Gold Scrimmage
- Matt Spivack
- Oct 12
- 3 min read
The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team held its annual Black and Gold Scrimmage on Saturday morning.
With nine new faces, including seven freshmen, the Buffs are still trying to find a team identity. Forward Sebastian Rancik was the only player on the squad sidelined due to an ankle sprain suffered in practice on Tuesday.
The scrimmage was formatted into four separate 10-minute games, with players changing teams after every game. Head Coach Tad Boyle let his assistants, Nate Tomlinson and Mike Rohn, coach the teams, so he could sit back and analyze.
Effort and physicality were on full display at the CU Events Center.
“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.”
Through the entirety of the scrimmage, freshman guard Isaiah Johnson led the Buffs with 29 points, including five trey-balls. The Los Angeles native looked comfortable, playing at a fast pace and getting to the rim efficiently. He was one of three freshmen to start in all four games, along with forward Alon Michaeli and guard Josiah Sanders.
Sanders and Michaeli finished with the second and third-highest scores with 22 and 21 points, respectively. Michaeli signed with CU late, causing him to miss its summer scrimmages in Australia, but the Israeli brings professional experience to the Buffs squad, previously playing for its national team.
Johnson and Michaeli played exceptionally well together throughout the first game. The duo scored the first 16 points for Team Black, using pick and rolls to get Michaeli easy looks at the rim and Johnson space at the top of the key.
Conversely, all seven players on Team White scored a basket in the period, with returning guard Felix Kossaras and forward Bangot Dak being the only players to score more than one bucket. Fans got to see Dak play for the first time since his knee injury that caused him to miss the Australia trip.
Despite Team Black losing, center Elijah Malone dominated the second game, scoring nine points on four made baskets at the rim. In his second season with Colorado, the graduate student needs to step up as a leader on this young Buffaloes squad.
Redshirt freshman guard Andrew Crawford and Michaeli led the charge in this one, with seven points each. Johnson poured in two deep balls in the period.
Team Black won the third game handily on the backs of Johnson and transfer wing Jon Mani. The sophomore from Denver University scored nine points, six from and-ones alone. Johnson scored 11, highlighted by a 3-pointer and four free throws. The flashy freshman was able to get to the rim with his speed and ability to blow by defenders.
Guard Jalin Holland led the scoring in game four with 10 points for Team White. Holland had two of his four total threes in the game. Dak added five more points and a block. Guard Josiah Sanders had his highest scoring period of the scrimmage, leading Team Black with nine points.
Freshman center Leonardo Van Eslwyk scored four points. His 7-foot-1 stature combined with his ability to shoot should bode well for the Buffaloes as he develops and can better control his large frame.
Offenses were flowing in the scrimmage, often scoring 20-plus points over 10-minute periods, but notifying Boyle of some potential defensive lapses.
“Maybe we’re just playing against a really bad defense,” Boyle said. “Until November 3, I’m going to be mad at the white team or the black team.”
Boyle knows there is more work to do before his team is ready to compete against a polished opponent.
“We still have a long way to go,” Boyle said. “This would be practice 13, and we’ll have 30 official practices. Right now we’re just collecting data individually and collectively, and see where it all shakes out.”
Next Sunday, the Buffs will host Grace College in an exhibition game, starting at 12 pm MT.
*All stats unofficial *
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