Boulder – For the first time since Chauncey Billups donned a Colorado uniform, the Buffaloes are ranked in a national poll.
On Monday, CU moved into the 25th spot of the ESPN-USA Today coaches poll, a first for the Buffs since the 1996-97 season, when a Billups-led Colorado squad was ranked as high as 15th in The Associated Press media poll and 16th in the coaches poll.
“To be ranked feels good for everybody,” CU coach Ricardo Patton said. “It’s an honor. It’s something fans, players and coaches can be proud of.”
Players became ecstatic upon hearing the news.
“Richard Roby had a big grin from ear to ear,” Patton said. “Hopefully that excitement will make them hungry to play well enough for us to stay there.”
Patton said he wasn’t surprised by the ranking.
“When you think about our 15-3 record and showing the ability to win on the road, that gets noticed,” he said. “And being in second place in the Big 12 should mean something.”
CU just missed getting into this week’s AP poll. The Buffs received votes from the media worth 83 points and are the equivalent of 27th. Northern Iowa is ranked 25th by AP. Maryland (139 points) topped teams also receiving votes.
CU has 54 points in the coaches poll, edging Wisconsin (51) for the final spot.
