30 Facts About Colorado Basketball

Colorado Basketball's Rich History

Colorado basketball has a storied past filled with memorable moments and standout players. Here are some fascinating facts about the history of basketball in the Centennial State.

1. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) men's basketball team was established in 1901, making it one of the oldest programs in the state.

2. CU Boulder has made 14 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their competitive spirit on a national level.

3. The Colorado Buffaloes won their first and only NCAA Tournament game in 1955, defeating Tulsa.

4. The Buffaloes have claimed five conference championships, with their most recent title coming in 1969.

5. CU Boulder’s home court, the CU Events Center, opened in 1979 and has a seating capacity of 11,064.

Legendary Players and Coaches

Colorado basketball has been home to some legendary figures who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Here are some notable players and coaches from Colorado's basketball history.

6. Chauncey Billups, a Denver native, played for CU Boulder before becoming an NBA Finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons.

7. Cliff Meely, one of CU Boulder's all-time greats, still holds the school record for most points scored in a single game with 47 points.

8. Tad Boyle, the current head coach of the Buffaloes, has led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances since taking over in 2010.

9. Sox Walseth, who coached the Buffaloes from 1956 to 1976, is the winningest coach in CU Boulder history with 261 victories.

10. Jay Humphries, another CU Boulder standout, went on to have a successful NBA career, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

Colorado basketball has had its share of unforgettable moments and significant achievements. Here are some highlights that have defined the program over the years.

11. In 2012, CU Boulder won the Pac-12 Tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

12. The Buffaloes made a Sweet 16 appearance in the 1963 NCAA Tournament, one of their best performances in school history.

13. CU Boulder has produced several NBA players, including Alec Burks, who was drafted 12th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2011.

14. The Buffaloes have had multiple players named to All-American teams, with Cliff Meely being a consensus All-American in 1971.

15. CU Boulder has a fierce rivalry with Colorado State University, known as the Rocky Mountain Showdown, which dates back to 1906.

Women's Basketball in Colorado

Women's basketball in Colorado has also seen significant growth and success. Here are some key facts about the women's game in the state.

16. The CU Boulder women's basketball team was established in 1975 and has since become a competitive program in the Pac-12 Conference.

17. The Buffaloes women's team has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, with their best finish being a trip to the Elite Eight in 1993.

18. Linda Lappe, a former CU Boulder player, served as the head coach of the women's team from 2010 to 2016.

19. Shelley Sheetz, one of the greatest players in CU Boulder women's basketball history, was named an All-American in 1995.

20. The CU Boulder women's team has won four conference championships, with their most recent title coming in 2004.

High School Basketball in Colorado

High school basketball in Colorado has produced many talented players who have gone on to achieve great success at the collegiate and professional levels. Here are some interesting facts about high school basketball in the state.

21. Denver East High School has one of the most successful basketball programs in Colorado, with multiple state championships to their name.

22. Chauncey Billups, before his illustrious college and NBA career, led George Washington High School in Denver to a state championship in 1994.

23. Colorado high school basketball has produced several McDonald's All-Americans, including Josh Perkins and Dominique Collier.

24. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) oversees high school basketball in the state, ensuring fair play and competition.

25. The annual "Great 8" tournament, held in Denver, features the top high school teams from across the state competing for the state championship.

Colorado's Impact on the NBA

Colorado has made a significant impact on the NBA, with several players and coaches hailing from the state. Here are some notable contributions from Colorado to the NBA.

26. Chauncey Billups, known as "Mr. Big Shot," had a stellar NBA career, earning five All-Star selections and an NBA Finals MVP award.

27. Derrick White, a Colorado native, played for the San Antonio Spurs and has become a key player in the NBA.

28. Scott Wedman, who played high school basketball in Denver, won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s.

29. Becky Hammon, a Colorado State University alumna, became the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history with the San Antonio Spurs.

30. Bill Hanzlik, who played for the Denver Nuggets, later became the team's head coach and has been involved in various community initiatives in Colorado.

Colorado Basketball: A Slam Dunk of Facts

Colorado basketball has a rich history filled with exciting moments and remarkable achievements. From the Buffaloes' early days to their modern-day triumphs, the team has consistently showcased talent and determination. With legendary players like Chauncey Billups and Alec Burks, the program has produced NBA stars and memorable games. The Coors Events Center remains a fortress where fans gather to cheer on their team, creating an electric atmosphere.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, these facts highlight the essence of Colorado basketball. The team's commitment to excellence, rich traditions, and passionate fanbase make it a standout in college basketball. Keep these facts in mind next time you catch a game or discuss the sport with friends. Colorado basketball isn't just a game; it's a celebration of skill, history, and community.