Colorado University Athletics
Photo by: Tyler Davis
Rancik Contines Expanding His Game
February 20, 2026 | Men's Basketball
BOULDER – Colorado's Sebastian Rancik continues to show different parts of his game as the season progresses for the Buffaloes.
In the span of three games, the 6-foot-11 forward has showcased why he brings a different look to the Buffaloes' frontcourt, starting with his first career double-double against Arizona State, then with a complete, two-way performance against BYU that drew some of the highest defensive praise a Tad Boyle-coached player has received.
Across both contests, Rancik has shown he can impact the game in every column of the box score and on both ends of the floor.
Rancik's success began to crystallize in Colorado's win over Arizona State, where he posted 17 points and 11 rebounds for his first collegiate double-double.
It wasn't just the numbers that stood out, but how he accumulated them.
He scored in a variety of ways, slipping out of ball screens, spacing to the perimeter, attacking closeouts, and cutting into open gaps while also cleaning the glass and starting transition opportunities with his rebounding.
For a program that has often leaned on guard play to drive its offense, Rancik provided a different kind of engine: a forward who can both finish possessions and extend them, while also functioning as a connector in the half-court.
That performance set the stage for an even more impressive all-around showing one week later.
Against BYU, Rancik filled the stat sheet in every category, finishing with nine points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
From the outset, Colorado used him as a hub in multiple spots on the floor. He facilitated offense from the post, picked out cutters and shooters, and consistently made the extra pass to turn good looks into great ones.
On the glass, his 10 rebounds were an important part of CU's transition game. Rather than simply securing the ball and looking to outlet, he was comfortable pushing up the floor himself, drawing defenders and making simple reads that led to early offense.
Defensively, his anticipation and length helped lead to three steals as he jumped passing lanes and disrupted BYU's rhythm.
But it was his work on one particular assignment that elevated his performance from impressive to memorable.
Colorado's game plan against BYU centered on slowing down AJ Dybantsa, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Boyle turned to Rancik for that challenge, and the sophomore delivered.
Matched up for long stretches with Dybantsa, Rancik helped hold BYU's star to 6-of-20 shooting from the field, including 1-of-6 from 3-point range, while also forcing seven turnovers.
"As a competitor, you want to play against the best, and according to the draft boards, he is considered the best in college," Rancik said. "I personally think I'm one of the best 1-on-1 defenders in the country, and I can guard anyone."
Rancik made catches difficult, pushed Dybantsa off his preferred spots, and consistently stayed disciplined.
For Boyle, whose tenure at Colorado has featured no shortage of standout defenders, Rancik's performance ranked among the very best.
"His defensive performance on AJ Dybantsa is one of the top defensive performances individually," Boyle said. "To stop a guy like that, you have to have good team defense, but his ability at 6-11, he was locked in and showed great discipline. That was a great defensive performance, one of the best I've seen since I've been here individually."
What differentiates Rancik within Colorado's rotation is how many ways he can help the Buffaloes win on a given night.
He has already shown he can score efficiently, rebound at a high level, facilitate as a playmaker, and take on elite defensive assignments, often within the same game.
For Rancik, the BYU game felt less like a statement and more like the first step in backing up the standard he has set for himself.
"I just need to start proving it on a game-by-game basis," he said. "BYU was a good start."
If his recent performances are any indication, Colorado has found a forward whose all-around game and defensive edge bring a new dimension to the Buffaloes on both ends of the floor.
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In the span of three games, the 6-foot-11 forward has showcased why he brings a different look to the Buffaloes' frontcourt, starting with his first career double-double against Arizona State, then with a complete, two-way performance against BYU that drew some of the highest defensive praise a Tad Boyle-coached player has received.
Across both contests, Rancik has shown he can impact the game in every column of the box score and on both ends of the floor.
Rancik's success began to crystallize in Colorado's win over Arizona State, where he posted 17 points and 11 rebounds for his first collegiate double-double.
It wasn't just the numbers that stood out, but how he accumulated them.
He scored in a variety of ways, slipping out of ball screens, spacing to the perimeter, attacking closeouts, and cutting into open gaps while also cleaning the glass and starting transition opportunities with his rebounding.
For a program that has often leaned on guard play to drive its offense, Rancik provided a different kind of engine: a forward who can both finish possessions and extend them, while also functioning as a connector in the half-court.
That performance set the stage for an even more impressive all-around showing one week later.
Against BYU, Rancik filled the stat sheet in every category, finishing with nine points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
From the outset, Colorado used him as a hub in multiple spots on the floor. He facilitated offense from the post, picked out cutters and shooters, and consistently made the extra pass to turn good looks into great ones.
On the glass, his 10 rebounds were an important part of CU's transition game. Rather than simply securing the ball and looking to outlet, he was comfortable pushing up the floor himself, drawing defenders and making simple reads that led to early offense.
Defensively, his anticipation and length helped lead to three steals as he jumped passing lanes and disrupted BYU's rhythm.
But it was his work on one particular assignment that elevated his performance from impressive to memorable.
Colorado's game plan against BYU centered on slowing down AJ Dybantsa, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Boyle turned to Rancik for that challenge, and the sophomore delivered.
Matched up for long stretches with Dybantsa, Rancik helped hold BYU's star to 6-of-20 shooting from the field, including 1-of-6 from 3-point range, while also forcing seven turnovers.
"As a competitor, you want to play against the best, and according to the draft boards, he is considered the best in college," Rancik said. "I personally think I'm one of the best 1-on-1 defenders in the country, and I can guard anyone."
Rancik made catches difficult, pushed Dybantsa off his preferred spots, and consistently stayed disciplined.
For Boyle, whose tenure at Colorado has featured no shortage of standout defenders, Rancik's performance ranked among the very best.
"His defensive performance on AJ Dybantsa is one of the top defensive performances individually," Boyle said. "To stop a guy like that, you have to have good team defense, but his ability at 6-11, he was locked in and showed great discipline. That was a great defensive performance, one of the best I've seen since I've been here individually."
What differentiates Rancik within Colorado's rotation is how many ways he can help the Buffaloes win on a given night.
He has already shown he can score efficiently, rebound at a high level, facilitate as a playmaker, and take on elite defensive assignments, often within the same game.
For Rancik, the BYU game felt less like a statement and more like the first step in backing up the standard he has set for himself.
"I just need to start proving it on a game-by-game basis," he said. "BYU was a good start."
If his recent performances are any indication, Colorado has found a forward whose all-around game and defensive edge bring a new dimension to the Buffaloes on both ends of the floor.
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Players Mentioned
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/ Men's BasketballBasketball Coaches Show featuring Tad Boyle and JR Payne, Feb. 16, 2026.
Tuesday, February 17
Colorado Men's Basketball Postgame Press Conference at BYU | 2.14.26
Sunday, February 15
Colorado Men's Basketball Postgame Press Conference at Texas Tech | 211.26
Thursday, February 12
HIGHLIGHTS: Colorado Men's Basketball vs. Arizona State | 2.7.26
Sunday, February 08