2 – Internal Improvement
While the return of Nick Emery will be front and center this year, the roster is still primarily made up of returning players, and their growth will factor into BYU’s success this year.
Can Yoeli Childs take his game to another level? If he can improve from a 17 point and 8 rebound guy to a 20 and 10 guy, he’ll have NBA scouts salivating and the national media taking notice.
Which TJ Haws will we see? If he can return to his All-WCC Freshman level of play (or better) it’ll help make up for the loss of Elijah Bryant. For Haws, consistency will be key this year.
Can Zac Seljaas regain his shooting touch? A shoulder injury hampered the sharpshooter last year, dropping his three-point percentage from 50% to 30%. If he can at least get back up in the 40% range he’ll become a valuable wing/stretch four for the Cougars.
If Jashire Harnett can improve his three-point percentage this year he’ll help open up the floor for Childs to work his magic in the paint.
Has Luke Worthington’s offensive game improved? He shot less that 50% from the field last year, well below what you need to see out of a big man. With BYU’s lack of true post players, he’s got to step up.
Rylan Bergersen showed flashes of his game last year in limited minutes. If he can take the next step and demonstrate consistency, he’ll work his way into the rotation this year.
There are plenty of ways that the returning players can improve, and the Cougar Tipoff will be Cougar Nation’s first glimpse at those possible improvements.