MORGANTOWN, West Va. — Isaiah Johnson is poised to become a key player for the Colorado Buffaloes, particularly as head coach Tad Boyle considers adjustments to his lineup after a recent 77-68 loss at Cincinnati. Boyle commented on the fluidity of the rotation, stating, “I think all things are on the table for us,” indicating that changes may be on the horizon.
Despite maintaining the same starting five of Barrington Hargress, Felix Kossaras, Sebastian Rancik, Bangot Dak, and Elijah Malone throughout the season, Johnson has supplanted Kossaras as a starter to begin the second half in the last two games. This strategic move appears aimed at injecting additional scoring into the lineup when facing halftime deficits. While Boyle previously hinted at similar adjustments after a Dec. 28 defeat against Northern Colorado, he did not implement any significant changes then.
As the Buffaloes gear up to face West Virginia on Saturday, Boyle continues to recognize Johnson’s potential on the court. He explained that having Johnson on the bench can provide a much-needed scoring boost, especially when Kossaras, who has struggled in recent outings, is not contributing offensively. The 6-foot-5 Kossaras has managed more than three points only once in his previous six games, raising questions about his effectiveness as a starting player.
In addition to Kossaras, other regulars like backup forward Alon Michaeli and Malone have also faced challenges, affecting the team’s overall performance. Michaeli’s shooting percentage has decreased significantly, and Malone has not reached double digits in scoring since late November. Boyle emphasized that their opponents must perform consistently to succeed in the competitive landscape of the Big 12, where the margin for error is slim.
The Buffaloes are set to meet the West Virginia Mountaineers, who share a 2-2 record in the Big 12 and are averaging a strong defensive performance, ranking high in scoring defense and field goal percentage. The matchup is significant, with both teams looking for crucial wins to aid their standings.
The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT at Hope Coliseum in Morgantown and will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network. Following this road trip, the Buffaloes will return home for a pair of important games, including a showdown against Kansas on Tuesday night. With the return of key players expected and adjustments potentially looming, there is hope for a turnaround as they seek to bolster their record in the conference.