Response to Kaytlyn Question

Kaytlyn,

In regards to your question from the "First Positive Shout-out" article, "Do you think we have a chance to do any where near as well as this year?" my answer is YES (of course this could be partially to my eternal optimism, especially when discussing BYU sports).  I understand the concern for many BYU fans, and the excitement of BYU haters for next years basketball season.  The BYU basketball team lost the best backcourt duo in school history (and arguably the best backcourt duo in the nation the last two season) to graduation.  Jimmer rocked the college basketball landscape this last season and drew attention from every direction, including a clean sweep of the Player of the Year awards.  Jackson Emery quietly went about his blue-collar work while setting the all time steals record at BYU, and being the Robin to Jimmer’s Batman.  I do not anticipate that these two individuals will be easily replaced, but I do believe that BYU will be a solid and deeper team.  Of course I also have to mention the loss of Kyle Collinsworth to a Church Mission.

When discussing supporting facts for why I believe that BYU will do just as well next year, if not better, we have to keep in mind that the BYU basketball roster is far from being finalized for next season.  Brandon Davies has still not been cleared by the University for eligibility next season, Dave “Top Dog” just broke the news to me today that James Anderson has decided to forgo his final year of eligibility, a point guard transfer from UCLA will not be available to play until the Winter Semester next year (due to transfer rules), and a couple of Freshman and Blue shirt Freshman (normally called Red shirt, but we don’t like the color red) will play important parts in next years team. Three new comers to the team in 2011 are 6’-10”, which means the team next year will have more depth at the big man spot, allowing for improved match ups on defense, and better inside out play on offense (which hurt us at the end of last season).  Depending on the return of Brandon Davies to the squad, BYU has a solid player from last year’s starting line up, or an individual who played significant minutes at each position except for at point guard. Charles Abouo would be able to take over at the 2 guard or the small forward position, while I believe that Stephen Rogers showed signs of promise, and could potentially step in at the small forward position, allowing Abouo to play the 2 guard.  Noah would continue to play the power forward position and Davies would stay at the center position.   Of course a few of the new comers have the potential to shake up the starting line, but I believe if we could find a solid player at the point, BYU could walk away with its first WCC Championship, and make another run in the tournament.

Great Question (mostly because it was about BYU)

Jake