Colorado State University Athletics
Sunday, March 23
Seattle, WA
5:10 PM
Colorado State
vs
Maryland
Shootaround: Becoming Giants
3/22/2025 3:06:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Prep for Pac-12 and defensive challenges
The perception has changed.
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With Colorado State basketball's success in the tournament over three of the past four seasons, national attention has truly increased toward the team.
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Athletic Director John Weber sees it not only as an opportunity for athletics to expand further but also highlight the academics of the university.
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"It's a great opportunity for us to compete on a national stage," Weber said. "We've got a whole bunch of people watching this and it really serves to highlight what's going on from an academic research perspective on campus. Anytime that we've got the opportunity to play in the postseason, everything from alumni to sponsor to prospective students; they are all aware."
Â
And as the Rams are on their way to the Pac-12 – joining July 1, 2026 – the momentum is palpable.
Â
Moving from what is considered a mid-major league toward rebuildiing a former Power 5 in the coming season.
Â
"We need to build as much momentum as we can as we go into the Pac-12," Weber said. "Because we want to be able to compete at the absolute highest level. Moving to the Pac-12, that gives us an opportunity to take the next step."
The next step could be comprised of many things, but making the Round of 32Â is advantageous in many ways.
Â
True Freshman Feeling
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Kyle Jorgensen, the only freshman to play in Friday's game, got his chance on the biggest court in men's basketball during his first season.
Â
Though Jorgensen has played in many frenetic environments and is familiar with high-pressure situations, he has never braved the beast which is March Madness.
Â
"I was definitely more nervous on the bench than I was in the game," Jorgensen said. "When you sit there for a while, you start to hear the noise and see it get packed. I just knew that when I got out there, I could play my game."
Â
Play he did.
Â
Coming off the bench to fire a 3-pointer five minutes into the second half, the shot was certainly a moment which fired up the team.
Â
"I knew the play call was coming for me," Jorgensen said. "So, I knew it was a big help that I was open. It was just being ready to shoot and knock it down."
Â
Standing 6-foot-9, Jorgensen is one of the bigger players on the roster.
Â
Taking on Maryland on Sunday – who has four players at and above the 6-9 mark – defensive intensity will be a major part of the Rams' game plan. And Jorgensen is glad to be part of that equation, no matter what it entails.
Â
"I can go in there and just try my best to help," Jorgensen said. "Whether that's getting open for Nique or screening and playing defense. My minutes are going to change throughout every game and I'm ready for whatever coach asks me to do. It's going to be different every game."
Â
Here and There
Â
CSU hasn't been to the Sweet 16 since its 1969 season when the tournament only comprised of 25 teams. … In the history of Ram basketball, they have never played Maryland. … Jalen Lake has played four tournament games at CSU, the most in program history. … In its game on Friday, Kyan Evans became the fourth Mountain West player to make at least six threes in an NCAA Tournament game.
Â
With Colorado State basketball's success in the tournament over three of the past four seasons, national attention has truly increased toward the team.
Â
Athletic Director John Weber sees it not only as an opportunity for athletics to expand further but also highlight the academics of the university.
Â
"It's a great opportunity for us to compete on a national stage," Weber said. "We've got a whole bunch of people watching this and it really serves to highlight what's going on from an academic research perspective on campus. Anytime that we've got the opportunity to play in the postseason, everything from alumni to sponsor to prospective students; they are all aware."
Â
And as the Rams are on their way to the Pac-12 – joining July 1, 2026 – the momentum is palpable.
Â
Moving from what is considered a mid-major league toward rebuildiing a former Power 5 in the coming season.
Â
"We need to build as much momentum as we can as we go into the Pac-12," Weber said. "Because we want to be able to compete at the absolute highest level. Moving to the Pac-12, that gives us an opportunity to take the next step."
The next step could be comprised of many things, but making the Round of 32Â is advantageous in many ways.
Â
True Freshman Feeling
Â
Kyle Jorgensen, the only freshman to play in Friday's game, got his chance on the biggest court in men's basketball during his first season.
Â
Though Jorgensen has played in many frenetic environments and is familiar with high-pressure situations, he has never braved the beast which is March Madness.
Â
"I was definitely more nervous on the bench than I was in the game," Jorgensen said. "When you sit there for a while, you start to hear the noise and see it get packed. I just knew that when I got out there, I could play my game."
Â
Play he did.
Â
Coming off the bench to fire a 3-pointer five minutes into the second half, the shot was certainly a moment which fired up the team.
Â
"I knew the play call was coming for me," Jorgensen said. "So, I knew it was a big help that I was open. It was just being ready to shoot and knock it down."
Â
Standing 6-foot-9, Jorgensen is one of the bigger players on the roster.
Â
Taking on Maryland on Sunday – who has four players at and above the 6-9 mark – defensive intensity will be a major part of the Rams' game plan. And Jorgensen is glad to be part of that equation, no matter what it entails.
Â
"I can go in there and just try my best to help," Jorgensen said. "Whether that's getting open for Nique or screening and playing defense. My minutes are going to change throughout every game and I'm ready for whatever coach asks me to do. It's going to be different every game."
Â
Here and There
Â
CSU hasn't been to the Sweet 16 since its 1969 season when the tournament only comprised of 25 teams. … In the history of Ram basketball, they have never played Maryland. … Jalen Lake has played four tournament games at CSU, the most in program history. … In its game on Friday, Kyan Evans became the fourth Mountain West player to make at least six threes in an NCAA Tournament game.
Players Mentioned
Colorado State Basketball (M): Season 1 - Ep. 1
Sunday, August 10
Ramily - CSU Men's Basketball
Tuesday, August 05
Ram Line - Shoot Around with Josh Pascarelli & Darnez Slater (MBB)
Monday, August 04
Behind the White Board - Ken DeWeese
Monday, August 04