BUFFSBLOG BITES: NEXT MAN UP AFTER ZACK OWENS DEPARTURE AND BASKETBALL NOTES

#75 Zack Owens is hitting the transfer portal.

I audibly groaned when reading the news that offensive guard Zack Owens is entering the transfer portal. The former 4-star Clemson recruit, now 345 pounds (down from 375), was a star in the spring game.  He was a devastating run blocker and surprised with his ability to get to the second level and block linebackers.  He had several pancake blocks, and he successfully worked combo blocks with center Zarian McGill.  [For the record, McGill was just as impressive as Owens in the spring game.] 

And yet, Owens is leaving. 

Which brings us to the two big elephants in the room regarding his transfer.

First, did the decision to play a spring game “expose” Owens to other programs in a way that led to his departure?  Most coaches across the country cancelled their spring game out of fear that other teams’ coaches would scout the game and potentially offer “NIL bags” to players that played well.  I suspect that’s what happened with Owens.  

However, for the record, I still think playing the spring game makes sense.  Players want to play for high-profile programs that are on TV.  Playing the spring game on national TV is appealing to players and is indicative of a program that maximizes player exposure and marketing opportunities.  While this means we may lose a Zach Owens, it also means that we can attract a Xavier Hill or a Sincere Brown.  There is a cost to playing in the spring game – but there are bigger benefits.

Second, did Owens receive an appreciably larger NIL package from another program?  It’s no secret that keeping star players happy is getting more expensive. Owens’ departure underscores the fact that programs need to ensure that they’re increasing NIL payments for players that have been developed internally — players that have developed within the program as opposed to transfers.  If you’ve got a player like Owens who’s progressing, developing, and making defenders’ lives miserable at the same time, you’ve got to keep him in the fold financially. Otherwise, as we’re seeing, the portal vultures will swoop in.

So, what now? The good news is that CU has options. This is NOT as painful as it would’ve been last year, or the year before.  So who’s going to play Owens’ guard spot? 

Option 1: Xavier Hill.

The 6’4” 318-pound Hill was named 1^st team All-AAC by Phil Steele (the MAN!) and, according to Pro Football Focus, he was the best player on Memphis’ team last year.  Hill was a semi-finalist for the Outland Trophy and is CU’s most proven offensive lineman despite the fact that he hasn’t taken a snap yet in Boulder.  Intriguingly, Memphis coaches have said that Hill is a better guard than tackle.  

I have assumed that Xavier Hill is going to be a starter at right tackle.  However, CU has some other options at right tackle that might allow Xavier Hill to slide inside to guard.  Mana Taimani was impressive in the spring game, and he may be a plus player at right tackle.  Alternatively, Philip Houston — who has been out injured but is set to return this summer —  was CU’s best offensive lineman down the stretch last season and he should be back to compete with Taimani at right tackle.

One more option at right tackle – CU is recruiting Virginia tackle Blake Steen out of the transfer portal.  The 6’5” 328-pound Steen has played right tackle and guard and played 1,202 snaps over the past 2 seasons.  While his PFF grades are not out-of-this-world (he recorded an overall offensive grade of 63.6 in 2024 — slightly above average – and an overall score of 51 in 2023 – below average), he only gave up 1 sack last year and he’s a solid run blocker.  He would give CU more depth and options along the offensive line.

Option #2: Chauncey Gooden.

Gooden is a big man.

Gooden, a true freshman, MAULED players in the Spring Game at right guard.  The 385-pounder showed surprising quickness and the ability to block the 2^nd level and pull/trap block effectively.  I’ve had concerns that he was too big to play at 385 pounds.  He surprised me, however, with his first step quickness.  Once he gets his hands on a defender, the defender is in trouble.  I think Gooden will be an All Big 12-level player at CU before he leaves.  He may be playing sooner than I thought.  

Option #3: Kareem Harden.

Harden provides talent and depth to the CU offensive line.

Harden was out this spring.  He’ll be back this summer.  Harden played in all 13 games last season, starting 7 at right guard. The 6’5” 330 pounder was solid if not spectacular.  Harden’s PFF score last season was 61, about the same as Blake Steen’s PFF score.  While Harden wasn’t a huge difference maker last fall, he’s a solid player that provides competition and depth.

Now, not all departures are as painful as Owens’ departure. Defensive back Ben Bouzi and linebacker Kyeran Garcia have also entered the portal. With minimal buzz surrounding them and little chance of seeing the field, their exits could be considered “good” attrition. Still, they have been good Buffs and we wish them well — godspeed Ben and Kyeran! 

Tad Boyle Has His Point Guard

UC Riverside’s Barrington Hargress provides much needed stability to Colorado’s backcourt.

CU’s basketball team landed transfer point guard Barrington Hargress last week in a move that should help the team be more competitive in the Big 12. 

Hargress played two seasons at UC Riverside.  Last year Hargress averaged 20.2 points per game, 4 assists per game, and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 33% form 3.  

More importantly, however, Hargress played a ton of minutes and maintained a very low 10.8% turnover rate per KenPom.  In other words, Hargress takes care of the ball.  This was a huge problem for the Buffs last season, as the team averaged a 21% turnover rate (bottom 20 nationally).  The 6’ 195-pound Hargress is undersized but a very adept passer (his assist rate was 74^thnationally out of over 2300 eligible players) and a willing defender.  Hargress was a first-team All Big West selection last season and he should immediately become Colorado’s best backcourt player.  Hargress was ranked as the third-best guard transfer to join the Big 12 this offseason per 247 Sports. 

I think CU’s front court is locked in at this point with Post Malone at center, Bangot Dak at one forward spot, and Sebastien Rancik at the other forward spot.  Depth will be provided by true freshman Tacko Fawaz.  The backcourt is less settled.  Hargress will start at point guard and then there are a lot of question marks.  CU has Felix Kossaras returning, and Kossaras averaged 2 points per game last year.  

Two incoming freshman will probably play a lot in the backcourt – Jalin Howard (ranked the #130 player nationally out of high school) and Josiah Sanders (ranked the #122 player nationally out of high school).  CU will need a knockdown shooter after the departure of RJ Smith, so true freshman sharpshooter Ian Inman may also see playing time this fall. Inman shot 50% from 3 his senior year of high school.  Regarldess, in the rough and rugged Big 12 Conference, it’s difficult to project a successful year for true freshman guards.

CU has room for 4 more transfers, but I expect CU to only sign 1 or 2 more players.  The biggest need is probably at wing.  Ideally, CU signs a wing that play both the 2 or 3 and can knock down 3s.  CU needs more shooting, as there just isn’t a lot of shooting depth on the roster as constituted.

Women’s basketball adds 2 transfers

O’Connor (left) and Walker (right) gives CU’s backcourt a big talent upgrade.

JR Payne is cooking in the transfer portal, as CU has received commitments from Gonzaga guard Claire O’Connor and Kansas State guard Zyanna Walker. These two should put CU back in the NCAA tournament next season.

O’Connor is a knock down shooter that averaged 7.7 points per game for the Bulldogs, who knocked CU out of the NIT tournament this past season.  O’Connor shot 41% from 3 point range and started 29 or 31 games for Gonzaga last year. O’Connor has two years of eligibility at Colorado. 

Walker is a ferocious defender (the only underclassman named to the Big 12 All-Defense team) and averaged 8.2 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and 3.4 assists per game for Kansas State.    She started every game of the season for Kansas State, which finished 28-8 and 4^th in the Big 12.  Kansas State made it to the Sweet 16 this past season, and Walker was a huge part of the team.  Walker has 2 years of eligibility at Colorado.  

CU returns point guard Kennedy Sanders (5 ppg and 2.3 apg), and frontcourt players Jade Masogayo (12.5 ppg and 5 rpg), Tabitha Betson (5.4 ppg and 4 rpg), and JoJo Nworie (3 ppg) in the frontcourt.  CU has room for up to 4 more transfers and there are still more than 1500 players in the transfer portal (!)  JR Payne has shown the ability to reload the team’s roster successfully, and this team — which should still be able to add a piece or three– has the ability to make a run in the NCAA tournament.