BYU basketball: How the Cougars can be a NCAA Tournament team in 2017-18

Two stars are born

It’s often said that a college basketball player’s biggest leap comes between their freshman and sophomore years. They’re able to spend the summer correcting mistakes and fixing flaws, rather than adjusting to college life and college basketball.

But that doesn’t always happen.

Look at Nick Emery. He was expected to build off a stellar freshman campaign in 2015-16, but instead shot worse from the field and the arc, averaging three fewer points per game as a sophomore.

In his defense, he was tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player night in and night out, which can take a toll on the offensive side of the ball.

This year there will be two players entering their sophomore years who shined as freshmen: Tyler Haws and Yoeli Childs.

BYU basketball looked best last year when Haws ran the offense, creating for both himself and his teammates. He finished the season as the Cougars’ best 3-point shooter and second in scoring and assists.

He gained more and more confidence and consistency as the season progressed, and should gain even more in his second season.

Look for him to improve his pass timing and decision-making in the post, which will take him to the next level as a facilitator and playmaker.

Childs will replace Mika as the featured post player this season.  He already showed what he can do on defense and on the boards, and got into less and less foul trouble as the season progressed.

On offense, he’ll spend the summer working on polishing his shooting touch, which was often too strong, as well as establishing a repertoire of post moves.

If both Haws and Childs can take that leap as sophomores, look for them to become the focal points of the offense, making up for production lost by the departure of Mika.