Four Colorado Rookies Join Practice Squad

Colorado head coach Tad Boyle has structured the 2026-27 men's basketball team around a core group of nine players. Four freshmen will spend the early season on the practice squad, limiting their regular playing time.

The Buffs face Abilene Christian on Nov. 2 to open their 17th season under Boyle. The expected game rotation includes guards Barrington Hargress, Alex Dickeson, Jalin Holland, Josiah Sanders, and Ian Inman. Forwards Justin Neely, Noah Feddersen, Goc Malual, and David Gomez round out the nine-man group. Gomez is recovering from foot surgery and may have limited minutes initially.

This setup contrasts with the previous year, when Colorado finished 17-16 and 7-11 in the Big 12. Last season, 11 players appeared in at least 20 games, and seven made at least 10 starts. The current roster relies on a smaller group to handle offensive and defensive responsibilities.

The four freshmen on the practice squad are forward Chase Hill, guards Amir Jones and Rider Portela, and forward Eric Jacobsen. Portela signed with the team in November 2025. Hill, Jones, and Jacobsen joined the roster in the spring of 2026. Each arrived at the University of Colorado through different recruiting paths.

Hill described his goal as simple development. He noted that he could have played at a Division III school and transferred later, but chose Colorado to grow over his expected four or five years. Jacobsen, a 6-foot-1 forward from the Midwest, said he accepted the limited role after a torn ACL slowed his recruiting in high school. He stated that he can work hard daily without pressure to perform in games.

Jones resumed his recruitment process after a coaching change at Georgia State, where he had previously signed. Portela is a wing player from Phoenix. Jacobsen attended Brewster Academy in New Hampshire before moving to Colorado Springs. Hill comes from a family with deep basketball roots, including a father who coaches at Trinity University and a grandfather who helped recruit Boyle to Kansas 45 years ago.

Boyle described the lineup as fluid. He said the freshmen have capability but lack consistency due to their youth. He noted that Jones had a strong practice on Friday, and that Jacobsen and Hill have also shown good work. The coach asked the players to prepare mentally every day in case their standing changes by December.