Mason Faulkner departs Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffs received a bit of a blow on Tuesday night when Western Carolina graduate transfer Mason Faulkner announced via Instagram that he would be leaving the team. Faulkner cited the need to be closer to his family in Kentucky.

Faulkner wrote in the Instagram post:

I’d like to thank Coach Boyle and the rest of the Colorado staff for all they have done. Everyone made me feel welcome in my short time in Boulder. I will always be appreciative of the way I was treated by Coach Boyle and staff. I’d also like to thank the Colorado fan base for showing me love and support while I was part of their team. With that being said, I have decided to move back to Kentucky to be closer to my daughter and family. This decision was not easy, but we feel like it’s the best move for us at this time. Thank you for your continued support.

Tad Boyle’s crew didn’t get to see much of Faulkner during his short time in Boulder as he is still recovering from a right ankle surgery that rendered him out of summer practices. The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 16.8 points at Western Carolina last year and was expected to compete for a starting guard spot with the Buffs.

It appears that Faulkner will still use his final year of eligibility. He took an unofficial visit to Louisville on Tuesday, according to 247Sports.

Moving forward, Faulkner’s exit opens the door for the likes of redshirt sophomore Keeshawn Barthelemy and freshman K.J. Simpson. Simpson impressed during CU’s open practices in late June while Barthelemy is looking to improve on what he called a “tough” last season.

Other guards on the roster include senior Eli Parquet, redshirt freshman Dominique Clifford and true freshmen Javon Ruffin and Julian Hammond. The former two are better off the ball, while the two freshmen may not be ready to play major minutes at point guard.