Colorado Buffaloes Seek Frontcourt Depth, Bench Scoring in Transfer Portal

Coach JR Payne must replace key departures to maintain NCAA Tournament trajectory

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold blues, golds, and whites, conceptually representing the complex roster changes facing the Colorado Buffaloes basketball program.A cubist interpretation of the Colorado Buffaloes' frontcourt and bench scoring challenges as they look to maintain their recent NCAA Tournament success.Kansas City Today

The Colorado Buffaloes are looking to build on their recent NCAA Tournament appearance, but face significant losses in their frontcourt and bench scoring. Coach JR Payne must find replacements in the transfer portal for graduating forwards Jade Masogayo and Anaelle Dutat, as well as the departures of Tabitha Betson and JoJo Nworie. Additionally, the Buffaloes need to replace the scoring and playmaking of guard Desiree Wooten, who led the team in scoring off the bench. Payne must get these roster holes filled through the transfer portal to keep Colorado's upward trajectory going.

Why it matters

Colorado made the NCAA Tournament in 2025 under Coach Payne, but now faces major holes to fill on the interior and in bench production. Maintaining that level of success will require Payne to effectively leverage the transfer portal to find the right mix of frontcourt depth and scoring punch off the bench.

The details

The Buffaloes are losing most of their frontcourt depth, with Masogayo, Dutat, Betson and Nworie all departing. Masogayo and Dutat were key contributors, combining for 16 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. Betson and Nworie provided additional depth. This leaves just freshman Logyn Greer as the lone returning frontcourt player with significant experience. On the perimeter, the Buffaloes must replace the scoring and playmaking of Desiree Wooten, who led the team in scoring off the bench at 13.4 points per game and also paced the team in assists.

  • Masogayo, Dutat, Betson and Nworie have all entered the transfer portal ahead of the 2026-27 season.
  • Wooten has also entered the transfer portal after the 2025-26 season.

The players

Jade Masogayo

A graduating senior forward who was third on the team in rebounds per game (4.9) and tied for second in scoring (11.3 points per game).

Anaelle Dutat

A graduating senior forward who led the team in rebounding at 8.0 per game and added 8.6 points per contest.

Tabitha Betson

A forward who is leaving via the transfer portal after averaging 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

JoJo Nworie

A center who played limited minutes (1.4 points, 0.9 rebounds per game) and is also entering the transfer portal.

Desiree Wooten

A guard who led the Buffaloes in scoring off the bench at 13.4 points per game and also paced the team in assists at 2.6 per contest.

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What they’re saying

“With the graduating seniors and transfer portal activity, the Buffaloes have lost significant players who had starting roles and provided depth on the interior, which has become a major need for Payne to fill through recruiting from the high school level and in the transfer portal.”

— SI.com

“Replacing Wooten will be one of Payne's harder tasks this offseason, and if she wants to help the Buffaloes climb the Big 12 standings and get back to the NCAA Tournament, this is one area Payne has to get right for 2026.”

— SI.com

What’s next

Coach Payne and the Colorado staff will need to be active in the transfer portal this offseason to find replacements for the key departures, both in the frontcourt and on the perimeter. They will need to balance finding immediate impact players as well as developing younger talent to maintain the Buffaloes' recent success.

The takeaway

Colorado's path back to the NCAA Tournament hinges on Payne's ability to effectively leverage the transfer portal to address major holes in the frontcourt and bench scoring. Replacing the production and leadership of departing players like Masogayo, Dutat and Wooten will be critical for the Buffaloes to continue their upward trajectory.