Colorado is known for its majestic mountains, active lifestyle, and thriving basketball culture that spans Division I powerhouses, competitive junior colleges, and Division II powerhouses. Whether you are tracking major conference battles or following regional powerhouse matchups, Colorado offers an incredible array of men’s basketball programs.
Here is a complete guide to men’s college basketball programs across Colorado, categorized by conference.
Colorado Collegiate Basketball Programs
Head coach Steve Smiley and the Northern Colorado Bears enter the 2026-2027 campaign with sky-high expectations, carrying significant momentum and establishing themselves as a premier force in the Big Sky Conference.
Preseason Expectations & Conference Outlook
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Conference Standing: The Bears are projected to finish second in the preseason Big Sky poll.
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Star Power: Standout guard Langston Reynolds has been named the Big Sky Preseason MVP, anchoring a roster designed to contend not just for a regular-season title, but for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Roster Construction: High-Impact Newcomers & Depth
Coach Smiley has assembled a dynamic new signing class and core rotation that blends high-major talent, international flavor, and seasoned size:
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The Crown Jewel Transfer: Andrew Crawford, a consensus four-star talent and former top-80 national recruit from Littleton, Colorado, returns to his home state after time in the Pac-12.
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Frontcourt Size & Athleticism: Adding 6-foot-8 forward Kaidon Rayfield (via UTSA) alongside local standouts like Drew Paine (Highlands Ranch) gives the Bears formidable rim protection and versatile inside-out scoring.
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Backcourt Playmaking: Backcourt depth is reinforced by dynamic local playmaker Jeremiah Hammond (Denver) and international addition Campbell Blogg (Melbourne, Australia), alongside veterans like Chiante Tramble.
Key Early-Season Tests
The Bears have put together an ambitious schedule to test their mettle before conference play heats up, featuring matchups against regional and national opponents:
- Arizona State (Away)
- BYU (Away at the Marriott Center)
- Stanford (Away at Maples Pavilion)
- College of Charleston (Away)
Bottom Line
With a reigning Preseason Conference MVP in Langston Reynolds, a massive injection of high-ceiling youth and transfers like Andrew Crawford, and veteran leadership under Coach Smiley, the Bears have all the pieces to navigate the Big Sky gauntlet and make a deep postseason run at the Idaho Central Center in Boise.
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
- Adams State – Schedule/Roster
- Colorado Christian – Schedule/Roster
- Colorado Mesa – Schedule/Roster
- Colorado Mines – Schedule/Roster
- CSU Pueblo – Schedule/Roster
- Fort Lewis – Schedule/Roster
- MSU Denver – Schedule/Roster
- Regis – Schedule/Roster
- UCCS – Schedule/Roster
- Western Colorado – Schedule/Roster
Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference
- Lamar CC – Schedule/Roster
- Otero CC – Schedule/Roster
- Northeastern CC – Schedule/Roster
- Trinidad State – Schedule/Roster
