DES MOINES, Iowa — George King walked onto an elevated podium Wednesday, the cell phone attached to his hand documenting the build-up to the NCAA Tournament.
That’s about as far as the Buffs are taking the sightseeing approach on college basketball’s biggest stage.
“The awe factor for our players is gone now,” Colorado coach Tad Boyle said as the Buffs finalized preparations for Thursday’s first-round game against Connecticut at Wells Fargo Arena. “I think they understand what’s in front of them and they’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
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CU (22-11) is certainly glad to be back in the tournament after a one-year absence. But after suffering one-and-done appearances in their last two trips, there has been a more businesslike approach to this year’s team.
The Buffs took the practice floor Wednesday afternoon in front of a sizable group of local fans, who are turning out in force at at site that will also include Kentucky, Kansas and Indiana. UConn (24-10) practiced earlier in the day.
Josh Scott, CU’s 6-foot-10 senior forward, said he has noticed a greater intensity in the buildup to the team’s postseason run.
“I think we have had chippy, crisp practices for the most part, which is a good thing,” Scott said. “I think it just shows that guys care and they don’t want to go out after just making it to the tournament. They want to win games. I think that’s important, and I think that would be the biggest difference between the other two times we were here before.”
Nick Kosmider: 303-954-1516, nkosmider@denverpost.com or @nickkosmider
