BYU basketball: Five reasons to be excited for hoops season

No. 5: Rivalries and revenge

BYU has a chance to avenge a lot of losses from last season. UT-Arlington looks to be just as talented as it was last year – but you can bet the Cougars won’t want to get embarrassed on the Marriott Center floor again.

Plus, the Cougars will host Utah for the first time since the “safety first” rivalry cancellation. I’d argue that Utah’s arrogance in attempting to cancel the rivalry will have Provo more fired up than any punch, kick, win or loss ever would.

BYU will also get the chance to ruin Utah Valley’s night in their own gym. After last season’s debacle, I fully expect the Cougars to reassert their dominance in the crosstown rivalry.

If nothing else, getting to revenge will make the 2017-18 BYU basketball season worth it.