BOULDER — Having attended a full load of classes Monday morning, Colorado sophomore guard Alec Burks hadn’t heard that he was named Big 12 Conference player of the week until arriving at the Coors Events Center just before the Buffaloes practiced.
CU first-year coach Tad Boyle takes that as a good sign. He wants everybody thinking in the present.
The Buffs are back in the conversation as a potential NCAA Tournament team but likely need to win twice this week to finish the regular season. CU (18-11, 7-7 Big 12) plays Wednesday night at Iowa State and completes the regular season Saturday at home against Nebraska.
“All I know is we want to win our next game, and that’s what we’re trying to prepare for,” Boyle said Monday.
Burks scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Saturday in a 91-89 upset of then-No. 5 Texas.
“It’s a great honor,” Burks said. “It feels good when you can get recognition for all your hard work. This is one of the best leagues in the nation. There are so many great players. It’s hard to win that award.”
He also won it after scoring 36 points in a home win over Missouri in early January.
Boyle was especially pleased that Burks scored 24 points in the second half against Texas.
“Alec is a special player when he’s got the ball in his hands,” Boyle said. “But to me, more important is that he had four assists and just one turnover. He’s really tried to play within the team concept but understanding, too, that we need him to score the ball.”
RPI talk.
Colorado jumped from No. 93 to No. 77 in the official NCAA RPI released Monday. The ratings percentage index is among the “tools” used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
The Buffs moved up on the strength of a road victory at Texas Tech, then the home victory over Texas. On Monday, ‘s NCAA Tournament “bracketologist” Joe Lunardi listed Colorado as one of his “First four out” — with Memphis, Clemson, Boston College and Colorado, in that order, not making it.
“You can’t help but notice all that stuff,” CU senior swingman Marcus Relphorde said Monday.
Lunardi’s “Next four out,” in order, are Colorado State, Maryland, Wichita State and Nebraska.
Footnote.
Some reserved seats remain for Saturday’s regular-season finale against Nebraska and can be purchased through or by calling 303-492-8337 or 800-872-8337. With a 2 p.m. tipoff Saturday, the CU women also conclude the regular season at home, against No. 3 Baylor featuring 6-foot-8 Brittney Griner.
The games are not considered a doubleheader. Tickets for each are sold separately, and the arena will be cleared after the women’s game.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
