82 in 72: #56 Colorado State Rams

Here’s where each of our analysts had Colorado State ranked:

Steven	Maxwell	Kam	Cody
58	63	66	57

2022-2023: Niko Medved’s Program Overhaul

After Niko Medved took over as head coach in 2018, Colorado State’s basketball program experienced a noticeable resurgence. Medved transformed the team into a consistent contender, surpassing the .500 mark in each of his first four seasons and notching 20 or more wins in three of those years. By the 2021-2022 season, the Rams had earned a spot in the AP Top 25 and secured an NCAA Tournament bid, solidifying their reputation as one of the top teams in the Mountain West Conference (MWC). Heading into the 2022-2023 season, there was hope that Colorado State could maintain this momentum, despite the loss of standout player David Roddy, who was selected in the NBA Draft’s first round.

However, replicating their 25-6 finish from the previous season proved to be a significant challenge. The Rams faced a grueling non-conference schedule, compiling an 8-5 record against tough competition, including Penn State, Colorado, St. Mary’s, and USC. This rocky start culminated in a late December slump, where the team dropped four straight games and began conference play with an 0-3 record. This difficult stretch set the tone for much of the season, as the Rams struggled to gain traction and claw their way up from the bottom of the MWC standings.

Offensively, the team’s production took a notable dip compared to the previous year. They averaged 72.5 points per game, ranking 158th nationally, a far cry from their earlier dominance. Despite a solid shooting percentage of 48.8% (9th in the nation), turnovers (307th nationally) and rebounding (349th nationally) proved costly, severely hampering their ability to close out games.

Defensively, Colorado State allowed 71.4 points per game (222nd nationally). Their lack of size played a significant role in their struggles, particularly inside, where they allowed opponents to make the 53rd-most two-point field goals in the nation. While some of these woes could be attributed to bad luck and an inability to close out tight games, it became clear that defensive inefficiencies were a persistent problem.

Despite these struggles, the season wasn’t without bright spots. Two veterans emerged as crucial contributors. John Tonje averaged 14.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Isaiah Stevens, the team’s engine, posted 17.9 points and 6.7 assists per game. Together, they provided hope for a bounce-back season, with the Rams looking to recapture their 2021-2022 form.

2023-2024: Colorado State’s Rebuild and Resurgence

The 2023-2024 season brought renewed optimism as the Rams sought to reclaim their place at the top of the MWC. Though John Tonje transferred to Missouri, key additions, including undersized but tenacious forward Joel Scott from Black Hills State and versatile guard Nique Clifford from Colorado, fortified the roster. With six of their top seven contributors being upperclassmen, Colorado State entered the season with a wealth of experience and leadership.

The Rams finished the season with a strong 25-11 record and a 10-8 mark in conference play, driven by veteran poise and improved defensive intensity. Offensively, they ranked 126th nationally, but more impressively, they shot 48.4% from the field (20th in the nation) and ranked 7th in assists per game with 18.0, showcasing efficient ball movement and team-oriented play. Defensively, their grit and hustle stood out, with the team allowing just 67.3 points per game (52nd nationally), often overcoming size disadvantages with sheer effort.

Their steady play in the competitive MWC earned them a play-in spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they outlasted Virginia in a tightly contested game to advance as a 10-seed. Though their run ended with a loss to Texas, the season marked a crucial step toward re-establishing Colorado State as a force in the conference.

Individually, Isaiah Stevens earned All-MWC First Team honors for the second straight year, averaging 16 points and 6.8 assists per game. Nique Clifford impressed in his first season with the Rams, making the All-MWC Third Team with 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Joel Scott’s transition to Division I was smooth, as he contributed 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. These individual performances laid a strong foundation for the Rams moving forward.

Looking Ahead: 2024-2025 Season Outlook

As Colorado State heads into the 2024-2025 season, questions loom about how they will replace Isaiah Stevens, a two-time All-MWC First Team selection, and Joel Scott. Nique Clifford returns as the focal point of the offense, coming off a successful season. Given his versatility and experience, he is poised to be a front-runner for MWC Preseason Player of the Year, and his leadership will be critical to the Rams’ success.

Joining Clifford will be returning guard Jalen Lake, who contributed 6.1 points per game last season and is expected to take on an expanded role. The Rams have also strengthened their roster with several promising additions, including 6’7 wing Jonathan Mekonnen, 6’8 forward Jaden Steppe, and 6’4 combo guard Darnez Slater. Additionally, Coach Medved secured two key transfers: Ethan Morton, a former top-100 recruit from Purdue, and Keshawn Williams, a prolific scorer from Northern Illinois who averaged 17.9 points per game during his junior season.

While the Rams face the challenge of replacing 70% of their scoring from last season, these newcomers provide hope. Coach Medved’s ability to integrate transfers and develop players has been a hallmark of his tenure, and this season will test his knack for revitalizing careers.

One area of concern is size, as only one player on the roster stands above 6’9. As the MWC continues to attract more skilled and athletic players, this could be a vulnerability. However, the team’s strong guard play and depth, coupled with Clifford’s all-around abilities, should keep them competitive.

Despite some uncertainty, Colorado State’s recent history under Coach Medved suggests they are well-positioned to contend in the MWC. With the potential to win 20+ games and finish in the top four of the conference, the Rams could once again make a push for an NCAA Tournament bid. Clifford’s leadership and the contributions of the team’s newcomers will be key factors in determining how far they can go in 2024-2025.