Some much-needed frontcourt help already has arrived in Boulder.

On Thursday, the Colorado men’s basketball program and head coach Tad Boyle announced the addition of Alon Michaeli, a 6-foot-9 forward out of Israel.

Michaeli has played professionally in Israel the past two seasons but was enrolled in time to join classes on Thursday as CU’s fall semester began. He fills the final vacant roster spot for the Buffaloes.

Michaeli spent last season with Bnei Hertzeliya in Israel’s Premier League, the top division in the country. He made his pro debut during the 2023-24 season with Netanya in Israel’s second division.

Earlier this summer, Michaeli competed for Israel’s national team at the U20 EuroBasket championships. He trained for several days with fellow CU newcomer Jon Mani, who also was set to compete for Israel’s U20 team when the club’s training camp was shut down due to the rising military conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Mani ultimately returned to the United States, while Michaeli played all seven games at the U20 EuroBasket tournament for Israel, which finished sixth. Michaeli averaged 17.3 points and 7.6 rebounds, both team-highs, while shooting .490 from the field.

The Buffs ended last year’s 14-21 season with thin depth up front. Center Elijah Malone is returning for a second season at CU, and a sixth season of collegiate basketball overall, while the Buffs also are expecting increased production from Sebastian Rancik after the 6-foot-11 forward finished his freshman season strong. CU also is welcoming back Bangot Dak, who is now listed at 7-foot but was sidelined by an injury throughout the summer.

Michaeli is the second international prospect brought in to fortify CU’s frontcourt this summer, as the Buffs added 7-foot freshman Leonardo Van Elswyck last month. The Buffs’ new-look frontcourt also will include 7-foot freshman Fawaz “Tacko” Ifaola, who didn’t accompany the club during its four-game exhibition trip through Australia earlier this month due to student visa concerns.

CU associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Mike Rohn said Michaeli got on the staff’s radar while making international evaluations in the spring, and it was assistant coach Bill Grier who filed the initial recommendation.

“Coach Grier did a good job,” Rohn said. “We were just evaluating a lot of guys in the spring. We just felt like we were going to need depth at that spot, and experience. We watched a lot of film, and as time kept going on it seemed he might be the perfect fit. Because even though he’s a first-year player, he’s played in the A-division of pro in Israel, which is a really good league. It’s Big 12-level, if not better because of the age factor.”

Originally Published: August 21, 2025 at 2:53 PM MDT