NEW YORK — It was entirely fitting that a season in which Colorado finally gained respect in Big 12 men’s basketball, the Buffs were the league’s last team standing in the postseason.
Now it’s time to study 11 new venues, scout 11 new programs and try to create some different rivalries in their new home next season, the Pac-12.
But the biggest question facing the program might not be answered until early May. Sophomore first team all-Big 12 guard Alec Burks has a huge decision to make whether to declare for the NBA draft. He can declare for the draft at any time and has until May 8 to remove his name from consideration in order to retain his college eligibility.
Last year, coach Tad Boyle’s first priority when he accepted the Buffs’ top job was re-recruiting Burks. At the time, Burks made noise about leaving Boulder, but after talking with the new coach, he soon decided to stay at CU.
This time around, Boyle said there will be no re-recruiting.
“His situation is totally different. It’s not about recruiting him, it’s about supporting him in whatever is best for him and his family,” Boyle said recently. “This is a life decision for him. He’s worked awfully hard to get where’s he’s at.
“I need to make sure I have Alec’s best interests at heart. That’s basically what I told him and his mom last spring when I got the job. I said, ‘Give me a chance, I want to prove myself.’ If I don’t have my best players’ interests at heart, you’re not long for this business.”
If Burks returns, he and Andre Roberson will create a nightly double-double force as Roberson moves into the starting lineup after a strong freshman year. CU also gets transfer Carlon Brown, who practiced for a year after averaging 12.6 points per game as a junior for Utah.
The leadership of four-year starter Cory Higgins, as well as Levi Knutson, will be missed.
“Cory Higgins is a guy that as a coach, when it’s all said and done, you say it’s a pleasure to coach him and I’m proud to coach him,” Boyle said. “I wish we had him for another year.”
Boyle already is recruiting high school juniors and has commitments from two in-state forwards: Lewis-Palmer’s Josh Scott (6-foot-9) and Sierra’s Wesley Gordon (6-7).
Boyle also has a task ahead to upgrade the nonleague schedule. A weak nonconference schedule this past season likely cost CU an invitation to the NCAA Tournament. CU is set for a holiday tournament in Puerto Rico. Boyle needs some other quality dates to avoid any strength-of-schedule issues when the NCAA selection committee convenes a year from now.
“The program is in good hands,” Knutson said. “We have a lot of guys in that locker room coming back. . . . (They) are going to carry this program to places it’s never been before.”
CU’s success in Boyle’s first year puts the Buffs in good shape moving into the Pac-12, athletic director Mike Bohn said.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
