A Player Turned Coach Returns to the Buffs
Tyson Gilbert has been appointed assistant coach for the Colorado men's basketball team, bringing a blend of playing experience and recent graduate assistance to the program. His hiring marks a continuation of a journey that began with his own collegiate career and has now brought him back to the university setting.
Over the past two seasons Gilbert served as a graduate assistant for the Buffaloes, where he compiled scouting reports, led practice drills and managed student managers. The role built on his earlier experience as a player at CSU Pueblo and Alaska Anchorage, giving him a deep understanding of both the tactical and relational aspects of the game.
Coach Boyle's Vision
Head coach Tad Boyle praised Gilbert's infectious personality and his knack for connecting with athletes, noting that the former player's maturity and energy make him both relatable to the current roster and capable of handling the adult responsibilities of the role. Boyle emphasized that Gilbert's ability to bridge the gap between coaching staff and players will help foster a culture of hard work and continuous improvement.
Gilbert's playing résumé includes a standout collegiate career in which he averaged 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. At Alaska Anchorage he earned First Team All‑Great Northwest Athletic Conference honors, was named the 2023‑24 UAA Athlete of the Year and captured the 2024 Trajan Langdon Award from the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.
Off the court he graduated with a degree in Journalism & Public Communications, collected multiple academic and athletic accolades, and was recognized as a four‑year starter and three‑time All‑Continental League pick at Rock Canyon High School. His high school career featured averages of 15.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Now poised to influence practice sessions and strategic preparation, Gilbert is expected to leverage his recent on‑court experience to guide the team's development. His unique perspective as a recent player, combined with his graduate‑assistant work, positions him to be a vital link between the coaching staff and the student‑athletes who will carry the program forward.