Tyler Haws ready to get back in form

Tyler Haws recently returned from his two-year mission to the Philippines and is ready to start training and getting back into basketball shape. Haws returns to the Cougars with high expectations for himself and his team this year.

Haws and his coaching staff have decided it is in his best interest to stay away from team play or pick up games for the next two months. Haws’ father, and former BYU Basketball player, Marty Haws is going to be his main training partner during the summer.

“I’m going to be lifting a lot and working out with my dad,” Haws said. “We started lifting yesterday and I felt pretty good. It’s a process and will take a while but I’m ready to be patient with myself and just take it one day at a time.”

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Haws’s summer training will be focused on strength training and endurance. Haws lost nearly 15 pounds during his mission and currently weighs 190 pounds. Haws attributed his weight loss to warm weather and hard work, not the usual mission stomach bug or illness. He said he remained healthy during the entirety of his mission.  Haws also said he played a little ball while in the Philippines. He played a different position at center, but it was still basketball.

BYU Basketball practice will kick off in October and Haws said he plans to be in shape for practice and for their first game.

Haws said he felt his game will benefit from his mission experiences going into the 2012-2013 season.

“I learned lots of different skills on my mission like being vocal, being a leader,” Haws said. “I think those things will help me going forward in the BYU program.”

Haws also learned on his mission one of his teammates became as popular in conversation as Joseph Smith.  Yes, Jimmermania even made its way across the water to the Philippines.

“I couldn’t be happier for him,” he said. “I knew Jimmer was a special kid and very talented player. It was cool to see the next season the things he did and things he accomplished.”

In his Freshman year, Haws played an important role for the team by averaging over 26 minutes and 11.3 points per game.  He really shined in the  2010 NCAA tournament where he was the second highest scorer in both games, second only to Fredette.

Haws’ return is exciting not only for his parents, but for his fans as well.

“He is a natural shooter and a great worker,” Jeremiah Olsen, a recent BYU Graduate said. “He should find his stride if he is mentally tough enough.”

Dave Madsen, another BYU Student from Provo, in the Pre-Management Core program is a self proclaimed BYU fanatic and is excited to see Haws back on the floor.

“I’m stoked that Tyler’s back,” Madsen said. “His shooting ability will be a much-needed boost for the Cougars. With Haws, a developing guard line in Carlino and Winder, and Davies returning for his senior season, I’m looking forward to once again watch the cougars make a nice run in the Big Dance.”