Colorado is not just getting one of the best rebounders in college basketball. The Buffs may also be getting one of the more interesting personalities entering the Big 12.
New Colorado forward Justin Neely opened up during Southern Conference media day at UNC Greensboro about life away from basketball, revealing interests that stretch far beyond the court.
“For me, I got my own clothing brand and I do food reviews on the side,” Neely said.
The Miami Beach native explained that the clothing brand, called “Justfro,” started with help from his father, who previously owned a clothing store on South Beach.
“My dad and me came up with the idea,” Neely said. “He had his own clothing store on South Beach in the early 2000s for a couple years. He sold custom sneakers. So we created my own brand for me. It’s called Justfro.”
“It’s good. It’s fun. I enjoy it,” Neely said. “You can be creative and I get to make whatever I want.”
Basketball still remains the priority, though. Neely said once his playing career ends, he hopes to move into coaching.
“I actually want to coach once I stop playing,” Neely said. “I want to play as long as I can and then get into coaching and try to give back to where I’m from.”
The future Colorado forward also joked that his food reviews might be even more fun than the clothing business.
“That’s the most fun. I’m not going to lie,” Neely said with a laugh.
Neely said he started reviewing restaurants around the Greensboro area and admitted he tends to be generous with his scores.
“I’m a little biased. I give nice reviews. I’m a nice guy,” Neely said. “But if it doesn’t taste good, I’m going to let you know.”
He will now have plenty of opportunities to taste the cuisine throughout the greater Boulder and Denver area as he begins his Colorado career.
The production speaks for itself. After two strong seasons at Albany, Neely averaged 17.9 points and 11.5 rebounds last season at UNC Greensboro while shooting 54.2 percent from the field. His 11.5 rebounds per game ranked second nationally and helped him post 20 double-doubles during the 2025-26 season.
“One of our biggest needs coming into this year is to become a better rebounding team, and this kid fits the bill,” Colorado head coach Tad Boyle said on CUBuffs.com. “He can get balls in his area, and out of his area, offensive rebound and defensive rebound.”
For Boyle, the fit may go beyond just production on the glass. Neely already sounds like someone who embraces competition, relationships and team culture.
“Rebounding is one thing that translates from level to level,” Boyle said. “If you can rebound, you can rebound.”
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