Oklahoma City – The reality of it all finally touched the inner emotions of Colorado sophomore Jermyl Jackson-Wilson, after he fouled out Thursday with 52 seconds remaining in the Buffaloes’ 81-71 loss to Texas Tech.
Jackson-Wilson left Ohio State two years ago to play for Ricardo Patton. Now Jackson-Wilson will have to get used to another coach.
“That’s when it hit me, when I was walking back to the bench,” Jackson-Wilson said. “I was really sad. I mean, I love those coaches.
“The only thing we can do now is learn from our experiences and play hard for the next coach. I hope the next coach likes us.”
The first-round exit in the Big 12 Tournament by the 12th-seeded Buffaloes closed the book on the Patton era, which spanned 11 full seasons. Patton finished as CU’s second all-time winningest men’s coach (184-160) and made trips to the NCAA Tournament in 1997 and 2003.
It was an awkward, sometimes difficult, lame-duck season. And not every player shared Jackson-Wilson’s affection for the head coach. With a roster that included eight freshmen, Colorado (7-20) became the first Buffs team to lose 20 games since 1988-89.
At least CU went down fighting. Although fifth-seeded Texas Tech (21-11) never trailed after a 3-pointer by junior swingman Martin Zeno made it 6-3, the Red Raiders were outshot (50.9 percent to 43.8 percent), outrebounded (35-29) and scored eight fewer field goals than the Buffs.
Colorado got a career-best 25 points from guard Dominique Coleman, the only senior on the roster, and 17 from junior guard Richard Roby, who told reporters afterward to expect him back next season.
A 3-pointer by Roby cut the Red Raiders’ lead to 66-63 with 5:25 remaining. But Zeno answered by swishing a jumper for two of his game-high 28 points, and the Red Raiders maintained control by driving the lane and getting to the foul line.
Before the game, Patton received a commemorative Big 12 basketball from conference commissioner Kevin Weiberg during a brief ceremony at midcourt. Patton was the last remaining men’s basketball coach from the original 12 during the Big 12’s inaugural 1996-97 season.
“I have said all season long, I am at peace with who I am … with the job we’ve done … with moving on,” said Patton, 48, during a postgame news conference.
Patton joked to Texas Tech coach Bob Knight in the hallway about telling reporters that he is seeking employment and if they hear a familiar voice at a Wendy’s restaurant, “It just may be me.”
Knight replied, “Well, I … sure hope you own it!”
Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn confirmed Thursday he has contacted college athletic directors and NBA general managers for permission to speak with coaches about the CU opening.
Bohn said he will not formally interview any candidate presently employed by a university until after the candidate’s team has concluded its season.
Bohn plans to seek feedback from CU players Monday about the qualities they want in a new coach.
“He’s going to hire who he wants anyway,” Jackson-Wilson said. “Whoever comes in, we’re going to be happy with him. We’re just going to be happy to have a coach.”
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
