BYU basketball: Cougars want to return to NCAA Tournament

BYU basketball’s media day was last week. The Cougars all spoke about the same goal – they want to return to the NCAA Tournament.

In some ways, it’s like we’ve heard it all before. I’ve covered BYU basketball media days before. They always say the same things.

We want to improve defensively. We want to make the big dance. We’re hungry.

What else are you going to say?

But while I’ve heard it all before, I kind of believe them this year. At this point, we all know the danger of high expectations and over-hyping a team. But BYU basketball might actually be able to find its way to the NCAA Tournament.

We’ve already broken down the roster. You can find the guards here and the forwards here. There’s some talent there. And while the odds of them knocking off St. Mary’s and Gonzaga are slim, the Cougars are going to be able to score some points.

And their schedule allows for some wins.

In terms of out-of-conference games, BYU basketball has big, potentially winnable games against Princeton, UT-Arlington, Alabama, UMass and Utah. Winning some of those would be a great way to gain some traction with the selection committee.

In fact, it might be key.

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The West Coast Conference might be a three-bid league – but BYU basketball will need to take care of business. No more road losses to Pepperdine or Pacific. No more mistakes against Utah Valley.

Beat the teams you’re supposed to beat, pull off one or two upsets, and you’re going to make the tournament.

Can they do it? It remains to be seen. However, there’s enough talent on the roster to think that it’s possible. TJ Haws, Nick Emery and Yoeli Childs are all legit. Zac Seljaas has the potential to be a game-changer. Elijah Bryant – if he can remain healthy – is another high volume scorer.

So if the Cougars want to be dancing in March, it all boils down to what we hear every year.

Play defense, hit shots, win games.