Another win for the 2-0 Colorado Buffaloes, Tad Boyle has officially signed 2026 recruit Rider Portela out of Sunnslope High School in Phoenix, Arizona.
Portela is a 6’6, 175-lbs. wing who, according to
247 Sports’ Adam Finkelstein, thrives in a fast paced, flowing offense, where his ability to slash, finish at the basket and find open looks for his teammates.
That sounds like an obvious fit for a Colorado team that is playing faster and smaller than they ever have in Boyle’s sixteen years (!) at the helm.
Portela needs to fill out some and work on his shooting consistency, but the size, skill and feel for the game, and so is the work ethic to continually improve.
The four-star wing is ranked 135th in the nation. He had interested from Cal, New Mexico and UC Santa Barbara, among others, before committing to the Buffs in early September.
Portela is CU’s only 2026 recruit so far. Elijah Malone is the lone senior on the roster and it’s too early to tell if anyone else will transfer or leave for the pros.
Welcome, Rider!
