Tad Boyle is introduced as the 18th head coach in University of Colorado at Boulder men's basketball history by athletic director Mike Bohn on Monday evening outside of the Coors Events Center. (CU Independent/Patrick Ghidossi)
Led by former Head Coach Jeff Bzdelik, the 2009-2010 men’s basketball season left room for improvement, as the Buffs’ season ended with a 15-16 overall record.
After Bzdelik’s decision to leave for Wake Forest, the position opened up and gave Boyle a chance to fulfill his “dream job” as head coach for CU.
In an introductory press conference held in April, Athletic Director Mike Bohn expressed his excitement for Boyle’s addition to the program.
“There’s no question to me that Tad Boyle represents everything that’s right about college basketball,” Bohn said.
Boyle, hired for his ability to rebuild a program, proved himself throughout his career at the University of Northern Colorado. The program was ranked among the lowest in the nation upon Boyle’s arrival and finished last season with a historical winning record of 25-8.
Also joining the program this year are Assistant Coaches Mike Rohn and Jean Prioleau, who coached alongside Boyle at Wichita State from 2000 to 2005.
“He hasn’t changed much,” Mike Rohn said of Boyle’s coaching style. “He was a great leader back then, and the players had a lot of respect for him.”
Rohn said one of the biggest challenges the team will face for the upcoming season is the adjustment to the new coaching staff. The adjustment of a new coach for the seniors in their final season will be especially crucial.
“You’re only typically as good as your seniors and upperclassmen,” Rohn said. “They have done a tremendous job believing in us and trying to change the style of play a little bit.”
CU senior guard Cory Higgins had many positive things to say about Boyle at the Basketball Media Day held Friday.
“He’s been great so far,” Higgins said. “He asks for us to accept him, and we all love him.”
Boyle has a busy three weeks ahead of him before the opening game on Nov. 12 against Idaho State. These weeks will mainly include recruiting, practicing and building off of the foundation set by Bzdelik and the previous staff.
Rohn added they will also focus technically on becoming a better defensive and rebounding team.
Many things are working in the Buffs’ favor, he said. The transition to a new league, the commitment by the administration and the work ethic the previous staff instilled in the team are all positive things.
“We feel that we can continue to keep building what the previous staff did,” Rohn said. “But in order to achieve success, we have to be on the same page. “
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Mackenzie Carroll at Carrolma@colorado.edu.
