As if things couldn’t get any better in Boulder these days, what with the Buffs already being bowl eligible and it’s not even Halloween yet, there’s even more reason to be excited about what’s happening at the foot of the Flatirons. College basketball season is just around the corner and the Buffs are once again expected to be dancing come March.

Campus Insiders issued their annual preview for each conference and the Buffs are Jordan Cornette’s “surprise team” this year. Having appeared in four of the last five NCAA Tournaments, Cornette says they’re really only a surprise because of the loss of big man and two-time first-team All-Pac-12 forward Josh Scott.

The real surprise? That Colorado could be even better than the team that went 22-12 last season.

“I think they’ll be even better this season,” Cornette says. “The team’s identity will become more perimeter-oriented, which is just fine.”

As for who will be the Buffs’ impact players, Cornette has his eye on two players in particular.

“George King had a breakout year last year and will build on that,” he says. “Also look for D-II transfer (from UC-Colorado Springs) Derrick White to make an impact. The kid can flat-out score. If he can make some noise, the Buffs can be dangerous.”

The football team gave fans plenty to cheer about in the fall semester. There should be plenty more to cheer in the spring. Cornette expects CU to be one of four Pac-12 schools going dancing in March.

The Buffs tip off the basketball season on Nov. 11 in Boulder against Sacramento State.