While Tyler Haws was far from the first BYU basketball player to take a two-year sabbatical to serve a mission, he might have missed out on more than any before him.
During his time in the Philippines, the world learned how to Jimmer, Jake Heaps lost his starting spot as BYU quarterback (and trasferred) and BYU jumped from the Mountain West to the West Coast Conference.
As a true freshman in the 2009–10 season, Haws averaged 11.3 points and 4.2 rebounds and started all but 3 games for the Cougars. He may have been ahead of the curve as a freshman, but it’s not quite like riding a bicycle.
“It was weird at the start. I remember getting the ball and feeling like ‘what do I do with it’ kind of thing,” Haws said. “But it came back and it’s fun; I’m loving it.”
To fans, it may appear that his touch returned quickly, but that’s not exactly the case. After returning in late April, Haws spent two months getting in shape before even joining a 5 on 5 pick-up game.
After his display in the Cougar Tip-off, it’s hard to imagine he took any time off. He led his half of the Cougar squad to a double-digit victory and scored 26 points.
Head coach Dave Rose credits Haws’ dedication for his quick turnaround.
“Physically, he has worked as hard as anybody we’ve had, as far as returning from a mission,” Rose said.
The scrimmage welcomed nearly 4,000 fans and left Haws energized.
“It felt great. It’s really good to get back in the Marriott Center and be in this atmosphere again,” Haws said.
The youngest captain BYU basketball has had in several years is ready to play a foe, rather than friends, come Friday night.
