Colorado freshman forward Damiene Cain is expected to make his college debut tonight in a 7 p.m. home game against Fresno State (4-4).
A 6-foot-7, 240-pounder, Cain was rated a national top-150 recruit when he signed with the Buffaloes in November 2010, prior to his senior season at Harvard Westlake High School in North Hollywood, Calif. But early this fall, five weeks before fall camp began, Cain informed CU coach Tad Boyle that he had decided to quit basketball and concentrate on academics.
Cain had a change of heart and asked to rejoin the team in early November. He has been practicing with the Buffs (4-3) and dressed for games but did not play.
“I’m ready,” Cain told the Boulder Camera after Tuesday’s practice.
At Harvard Westlake, Cain was one of seven players in the Los Angeles area to earn a John Wooden high school player of the year award. He averaged a double-double as a senior at Harvard Westlake with 14.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. ranked him as the nation’s 134th-best prospect overall.
Boyle has said that Cain will contribute needed strength and size to the CU frontline. Prior to Cain’s sabbatical of sorts, Boyle said he expected the power forward to make an immediate impact for the Buffs.
“Damiene can really play in the low post, can score,” Boyle said when Cain signed with Colorado. “He can also step out (and take a jump shot). You have to guard him on the block because he has a tremendous feel for the game.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
