College basketball practices have started. The Post’s Tom Kensler gives a team-by-team look at what to expect from area Division I men’s basketball teams:
AIR FORCE
Coach: Dave Pilipovich (32-38, fourth season at Air Force).
Last season: 12-18, 6-12 Mountain West.
Notable returnees: Sr. G Max Yon (13.0 ppg), Sr. F Kamryn Williams (10.1, 6.5 rpg).
Difficult to replace: G Tre’ Coggins (16.0 ppg).
Big key: Replacing point production of Coggins, who transferred to Cal State Fullerton.
COLORADO
Coach: Tad Boyle (92-50, fifth season at CU).
Last season: 23-12, 10-8 Pac-12.
Notable returnees: Jr. F-C Josh Scott (14.1, 8.4), Sr. G Askia Booker (13.7), Jr. F Xavier Johnson (12.0, 5.9).
Difficult to replace: G Spencer Dinwiddie (14.7)
Big key: Improve on 31.8 percent 3-point shooting with faster-paced offense.
COLORADO STATE
Coach: Larry Eustachy (42-25, third season at CSU).
Last season: 16-16, 7-11 Mountain West.
Notable returnees: Sr. F J.J. Avila (16.6), Sr. G Daniel Bejarano (16.3).
Difficult to replace: G Jon Octeus (13.4).
Big key: Integrating eight newcomers, including transfers Stanton Kidd (6-8) and Dantiel Daniels (6-7).
DENVER
Coach: Joe Scott (118-99, eighth season at DU).
Last season: 16-15, 8-6 Summit League.
Notable returnees: Sr. G Brett Olson (14.5), Jr. G Jalen Love (9.1), Sr. G Cam Griffin (8.5).
Difficult to replace: F Chris Udofia (12.3, 5.4).
Big key: Overcoming lack of size. Just one player, a 6-10 freshman, is taller than 6-7.
NORTHERN COLORADO
Coach: B.J. Hill (61-62, fifth season at UNC).
Last season: 18-14, 11-9 Big Sky.
Notable returnees: Sr. G Tevin Svihovec (10.2), Jr. G Jordan Wilson (7.4).
Difficult to replace: F Derrick Barden (14.1, 9.8), G Tate Unruh (12.7).
Big key: Impact from transfers Dwight Smith (Colorado State) and Cameron Michael (Air Force).
WYOMING
Coach: Larry Shyatt (78-50, fifth season at Wyoming).
Last season: 18-15, 9-9 Mountain West.
Notable returnees: Sr. F Larry Nance Jr. (15.4, 8.6), Sr. G Riley Grabau (10.1), Jr. G Josh Adams (12.7).
Difficult to replace: G Nathan Sobey (9.8).
Big key: Nance (ACL tear in February) staying healthy.
