Assistant coach Jean Prioleau | 2010–11 record 24–14 (8–8 Big 12) Assistant coach Tom Abatemarco Assistant coach Mike Rohn | |
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The 2010–11 Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team represents the University of Colorado in the 2010–11 college basketball season. Head coach Tad Boyle is in his first season at Colorado. The Buffaloes compete in the Big 12 Conference and played their home games at the Coors Events Center. This was the Buffaloes' last season in the Big 12, as they would move to the Pac-12 in 2011–12.
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Preseason
The Buffaloes are in their final season in the Big 12, as they will be moving to the Pac-12 in 2011–12. They finished the previous season with a record of 15–16 and 6–10 in Big 12 Conference play. Of those 16 losses, seven were by six points or less. Additionally, all five starters return from that team.
In the Big 12 preseason coaches' poll, the Buffaloes were picked to finish ninth. Cory Higgins was named the Preseason All-Conference First Team, while Alec Burks was an honorable mention. Both were also named to the 50-man preseason Wooden Award watchlist. Additionally, Burks was on the 50-man preseason Naismith College Player of the Year watchlist. Gary Parrish picked them eighth in the Big 12, and said that he "won't be shocked if they ride the Higgins-Burks tandem into the top half of the league and make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2003." Jason King of Rivals.com named the Buffaloes the sixth-best team in conference, adding, "Don't be surprised if long-suffering Colorado sneaks into the NCAA tournament."
Preconference season
The Buffaloes defeated in-state rivals Colorado State 93–80 in overtime, behind Alec Burks' 25 points. Marcus Relphorde contributed 18 points and Cory Higgins added 15. Levi Knutson hit four free throws in the final 57 seconds to seal the victory.
Big 12 season
Snapping a losing streak of 13 consecutive conference openers, Colorado knocked off #8 Missouri 89–76 as Alec Burks exploded for a career-high 36 points. This was the Buffaloes' first win over a top ten team since defeating #3 Texas in 2003. Cory Higgins had 18 points and a career-tying 10 rebounds. The Buffaloes had a 12-point halftime lead and never let Missouri get closer than seven in the second half.
Post-season
The Buffs have been selected as the #1 seed for the 2011 NIT Tournament