Colorado men's basketball will participate in the inaugural Bill Walton Classic, facing San Diego State on November 7. The matchup holds special significance as it marks CU's first game against SDSU since 1976, while also honoring Walton, a legendary player and broadcaster known for his connections to the Pac-12 and the music scene. Head coach Tad Boyle expressed respect for Walton's impact on college basketball and his engaging broadcasting style. The Buffaloes are finalizing their nonconference schedule and have a series of upcoming games, including a trip to Providence and neutral-site matches in California.

By the Numbers
  • CU's only previous matchup with SDSU was on January 5, 1976.
  • The NCAA has raised the maximum number of regular-season games to 32 this year.
State of Play
  • CU will complete a home-and-home series with Providence following last season's victory.
  • The Big 12 has announced the league slate, including home-and-home matchups against Baylor, Houston, and Utah.
  • Boyle is still seeking to finalize eight nonconference dates, likely all at home.
What's Next

Looking ahead, CU plans to schedule additional home games to fill its nonconference calendar and will finalize remaining dates over the next few weeks. The team's overall strategy aims to blend competitive matchups with opportunities for fan engagement at home.

Bottom Line

The Bill Walton Classic is an exciting opportunity for CU to honor a basketball icon while kicking off their season with a challenging matchup. With eight nonconference slots still open, the upcoming weeks are crucial for solidifying a balanced schedule that engages local fans.