Kim English credited Tad Boyle for helping him “learn my coaching foundation.”

English, in turn, was credited by Colorado assistant and former Buffaloes guard Nate Tomlinson for helping to spread his wings in the coaching wings. The close friends square off on Friday night as English, a former CU assistant, brings his Providence Friars to the Events Center for the first matchup between the programs (7 p.m., ESPN+).

Tomlinson returned to CU this year after spending for seasons on English’s staff, first at George Mason and then at Providence. Tomlinson said another takeaway from his five years — including one at CU — working alongside English was watching his ability to keep his players motivated for 30-plus games.

“He’s going to get his guys to play hard. That’s No. 1,” Tomlinson said. “

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