The Buffs lose two impact players.
Just days after Colorado’s loss to Villanova in the College Basketball Crown, Assane Diop and RJ Smith have entered their names into the transfer portal.
This is surprising news in Boulder, as both players played significant minutes this season and appeared to be in Tad Boyle’s long-term plans. It’s unclear where they will go, or why exactly they left, but both are good players that will get a lot of attention from other programs.
Smith was a regular starter on the 2024-25 Buffs. He impressed with his defense, physicality and three-point shooting, leading many to think we had an Eli Parquet-style 3-and-D wing for the next couple years. The Chino, California product has two years left of eligibility after he first redshirted, then played 7 games before a season-ending injury in 2023-24. (There’s a chance he gets a medical redshirt for that lost season.)
As for Diop, this is surprising because he’s a Tad Ball player through and through. He’s long and active, a good positional defender and a hungry rebounder. His offensive game is a work in progress, as the Senegalese forward shot under 40% from the field, although he does have nice touch on his mid-range and free throws. He has two years left to play and a ton of potential if he finds the right home.
The Buffs also lost Javon Ruffin, Courtney Anderson and Harrison Carrington. Those departures were somewhat expected, as they all playing fringe roles and will likely find more playing time elsewhere.
Five departures in a week isn’t the best news, but does make the Buffs more interesting in the next few weeks and months. The Buffs have four or five scholarships remaining for next year, depending on what Elijah Malone decides, meaning Boyle can rebuild the squad in any direction he chooses.