[mm-video type=playlist id=01fc3h5x4enxt6nsr4 player_id=none image=https://coloradobuffaloeswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
Following the graduation of McKinley Wright IV, there is an opportunity at guard for the Colorado Buffaloes. We saw flashes of sophomore Keeshawn Barthelemy last year and he is now expected to get plenty of minutes at the point. But, freshmen K.J. Simpson and Julian Hammond impressed Tad Boyle in the summer and through the first two weeks of preseason practice.
While both are capable of leading the point, Boyle said that both Simpson and Barthelemy will play together “a fair amount.” The speedy duo should leave teams winded, even away from Boulder.
“When they’re on the court together we got two of the fastest, quickest guards,” Boyle said. “I’d like to see a backcourt in America that’s faster and quicker than those two. They’re going to be terrific together. They both can play on the ball. They both can play off the ball. They both can score the ball and they can pass the ball. I’m looking forward to seeing them. Throw Julian in the mix and our backcourt is again, very inexperienced, but very talented. They’ll make some mistakes early, there’s no doubt about that, but they’re really talented guys and explosive.”
From Simpson’s perspective, he has learned from Barthelemy while also growing their chemistry.
“Every time we’re on the same team, we win the competitions,” Simpson said after practice on Friday. “It’s been good to be able to learn from him as well because he’s learned so much, especially under McKinley when he was here (and) he was able to go at him at practice. Now it’s my turn to go at Kee at practice. We just learn from each other and build that chemistry to be ready for the games when they come.”
After two exhibition games in late October, Colorado will open its season with Montana State on Nov. 9.