I guess I'd ask, How is the guard pool better? Hargress could be good, he might be average, he might be bad. There is a lot of disdain on here for Hammond, and as a point guard I generally concur, He was not what was needed, but he was a known commodity and could score a bit. Plus returners with at least some experience in Ruffin and Smith. Kossaras, if that CBC showing was any indication, combined with this past seasons overall effort looks to be along way away from being ready. Josiah Sanders again might be good, but he might also be two years away. Playing grind session is not the same as the Big 12. So generally speaking from my point of view the guard situation is probably no better than equal to this past season, and based on many factors I'd say less than capable.
To the front line, Dak needs to take big steps. The talent is there, but in a major minute jump this year he was very inconsistent. If he gets more steady, that could be an improvement. Rancick, is bad on D and hasn't shown any level of consistency in shot making. If he comes aways he could be a solid contributor. I think Malone will be a steady factor on the block, maybe even a bright spot, if he can stay healthy. Even with that he probably ceases to be effective for more than 20-25 minutes a game. After that what do you really have? Crawford? Four other freshman in varying states of readiness? Portal players? There are lots of guys left in the portal for sure, but who is CU even trying to get? Will they help? This front line might leave the CU faithful missing Jakimovski, Baskin, Diop, and Carrington a lot. Unless the schedule is real easy in NC, or the rest of the Big 12 has a massive drop off, it could be a very rugged year for the buffs.