Colorado begins practices today in preparation for a three-game preseason tour in British Columbia in September.
“We preach academics to all our players,” Patton told the Camera.
If Julius Ashby works his way back academically, he could be able to play Dec. 31 (vs. Dartmouth) or Jan. 3 (vs. Savannah State). CU opens conference play at Texas on Jan. 7.
The 6-9 post player missed eight games last season, his first in a CU uniform after transferring to Colorado from Marshalltown (Iowa) CC, because of an injury. CU struggled in his absence. He was the team’s leading rebounder a year ago with 6.0 boards per game.
Colorado also returns low-post players senior Lamont Arrington and sophomore Marcus King-Stockton.