The biggest breakout star this season for the Colorado men’s basketball team has been 6-foot-11 sophomore forward Bangot Dak. The Omaha, Nebraska, native made his way into the starting lineup for CU this season and has shown spurts of dominance and athleticism that could make him a premier forward in the conference over the next two years. Here’s a look into his journey into the program and how he’s become the player he is today.
High school
Dak attended Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, and as a freshman, he only stood 6-foot-1. He reached his current height by his senior year, and in that season, averaged 11.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He was listed as a 3-star recruit by 247 Sports and committed to Colorado over the likes of the Iowa State Cyclones and Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2023.
“I met Julian [Hammond III] on my visit,” Dak said when discussing how this year’s senior class impacted his recruiting. “They were a big part of me coming here … They’ve been helping me ever since I touched down on campus.”
Colorado (freshman season)
Despite head coach Tad Boyle recommending that Dak redshirt in his first year, he opted not to and tried to earn playing time as a freshman. He averaged 6.9 minutes per game during the 2023-24 season but didn’t make his way into the starting lineup.
“I’m so mad at myself for not making Bangot redshirt last year as opposed to asking him,” Boyle said following the Buffaloes’ home loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. “He’d have another year of college on the back end that he’s not going to have,” he continued. “I think he’s going to regret that and I’m going to regret it for him.”
Dak showed flashes in his limited time, as he displayed his undeniable dunking ability (including high-flying alley-oops), solid rebounding and blocking prowess primarily in the Buffs’ game against the Stanford Cardinal. These traits have only blossomed this season as he’s made his way into the starting lineup.
Colorado (sophomore season)
This season, Dak’s minutes have nearly tripled and his production has taken a great leap. After averaging just 1.7 points per game his freshman season, he’s now averaging 8.2 with nine double-digit nights in the process.
He’s also become a major threat to opposing offenses inside the arc, averaging 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
“I think I got a little bit more confidence,” Dak said. “Going into the Big 12 I just didn’t know what to expect … but I feel like I’m in a good spot right now. I found ways I can score, ways to get back bigger defenders, so that’s helped me a lot.”
His growth was on full display in the Buffs’ most recent game against Kansas as he registered 16 points with four devastating dunks over star Jayhawks’ center Hunter Dickinson along with five rebounds, a steal and a block.
As Dak continues to grow on this team, he will be at the forefront of a young, athletic core in CU’s program. He’s shown the ability to have dominant performances, putting the team on his back in multiple contests despite his young age. As he continues to hone his craft in the next two seasons, his numbers will continue to increase, laying the foundation to rebuild Colorado men’s basketball around in the process.
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