Category Archives: Men’s Basketball

New DU Multi-sport Arena is Needed but Faces Hurdles

Does the University of Denver need a new or upgraded arena for non-hockey events?  It’s a big question that’s been on the minds of DU’s athletic and academic administrations for a while now, as the rest of the Summit League continues to upgrade its athletic facilities, leaving DU’s Ritchie Center farther behind and now well older than the students who play there. Add rising interest rates and construction costs to the mix along wih the need for a major donor(s) and the possibility of a major new athletic facility looks challenging at best over the short term. Continue reading New DU Multi-sport Arena is Needed but Faces Hurdles

The Crimson & Gold Collective: A Different Kind of NIL

When Jack Reis assumed the presidency of the Crimson & Gold Collective, DU Men’s Basketball’s Crimson & Gold NIL (Name, Image, & Likeness) program, he envisioned a unique mission. He aimed to offer earning opportunities to student-athletes but also to serve the broader good of communities around Denver. Continue reading The Crimson & Gold Collective: A Different Kind of NIL

Portal Door Slams Shut, What’s Left When the Smoke Clears?

The transfer portal closed on May 11th with 1,746 DI basketball players seeking greener pastures. With 351 DI programs, teams lost an average of nearly five players to the portal. In DU’s case, they lost promising freshman Justin Mullins to  Northwestern and second-team preseason All-Summit league player Tevin Smith to Cleveland State. Both players would have been projected starters for the 2023-24 season. Scores of players remain uncommitted until the start of a new school year. Continue reading Portal Door Slams Shut, What’s Left When the Smoke Clears?

Interview with Jack Reis, President of Crimson & Gold Collective

What is the NIL Crimson & Gold Collective?
The Crimson & Gold Collective provides name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities to student-athletes at the University of Denver. Our mission is to provide these athletes with opportunities to earn money for who they are and what they do. We also provide education, legal aid, and marketing and branding services. All of our work is funded through endorsements and individual donations. Currently, our focus centers on the men’s basketball program. The Collective is not affiliated with the University of Denver or the Denver coaching staff. Continue reading Interview with Jack Reis, President of Crimson & Gold Collective

Basketball Transfer Portal Shaping Mid-Majors’ 2023-24 Plans

Basketball transfers are coming to a portal near you.

The 60-day window is open (March 13-May 11) for prospective transfers to hop in the portal to examine their options. The one-time transfer rule is still intact this season. If a player has not transferred before, they are immediately eligible. Of course, a team may release a player to play immediately rather than sit out a year of play. Continue reading Basketball Transfer Portal Shaping Mid-Majors’ 2023-24 Plans

DU Remains In ‘Never Gone Dancing’ Club

Oh, well.

Some of us are still recovering from a weekend bender of couch surfing while watching March Madness…but yet again did so without watching the Denver Pioneers. We wait yet another year simmering in the juices of the Never Made it to the Tournament Club. We are not waiting for One Shining Moment, just a moment. Watching Farleigh Dickenson University (FDU) and Princeton win their first-round (and second-round in the latter’s case) games only makes the milestone more painful. Continue reading DU Remains In ‘Never Gone Dancing’ Club

Denver Recruit Named to Illinois AP All-State Basketball First Team

Incoming Denver basketball recruit DeAndre Craig was awarded Associated Press All-State Basketball 3A First Team honors in his home state of Illinois.  Craig was also named to the 2023 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area Basketball Team  – his second such award. He spearheaded the Mount Carmel Caravan, averaging 18 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals while leading his school to a 27-6 record heading into the Class 3A sectional final. Continue reading Denver Recruit Named to Illinois AP All-State Basketball First Team

Shorthanded Denver Falls to North Dakota, 83-68

Denver (15-17, 6-13) lost guard Tevin Smith before the game due to a wrist injury and the short-handed Pioneer bench went scoreless in an 83-68 loss at the Summit League Tournament. The Fighting Hawks canned nine of eighteen 3-point shots (13-36 for the game) in the second half and punished the exhausted Pioneers.  The loss ends DU’s season. Continue reading Shorthanded Denver Falls to North Dakota, 83-68