The Colorado Buffaloes didn't reach their goal of making the NCAA Tournament last spring, but they hope some key additions will help return them to the Big Dance.
After posting an 18-17 record in 2022-23, Colorado will open the new season against Towson on Monday night in Boulder, Colo.
The game will mark the debut of 6-foot-11 senior Eddie Lampkin Jr., who transferred from TCU. Lampkin underwent back surgery in the offseason and likely will have his minutes restricted, but he will be an important part of the Buffaloes.
Lampkin, the only true center on Colorado's roster, made his debut with the team during an exhibition game against Metro State University on Oct. 28. He had eight points and three rebounds in 16 minutes.
"For me, it felt good. It was my first time ever putting a Colorado jersey on and I loved it already," Lampkin said following the exhibition. "The fans showed love. It wasn't no real game, but people showed up. I feel like as a team we played good, and that's all that mattered. It's not about me. I've just got to show up and do my job. It's just a team thing."
The Buffaloes will face a Towson squad that is coming off its second straight season with at least 20 wins. They also reached the semifinals of the Coastal Athletic Association tournament in both seasons.
The Tigers have just one starter back from last season's 21-12 squad -- graduate forward Charles Thompson -- and have added three freshmen and four transfer players.
Three starters graduated, and another starter -- leading scorer Nick Timberlake -- transferred to Kansas.
"It's definitely different. It's definitely a change. We lost a lot of guys," Thompson said. "But we look better than ever. The team's chemistry is up."
One constant is Towson coach Pat Skerry, who is entering his 13th season on the job and is trying to mesh new faces.
"I lost 31 games my first year. I would say this offseason was more taxing in the amount of time it took to put a roster together," he said Thursday.
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