The Cougar frontcourt is rebuilding this year after the graduation of forward Noah Hartsock, who averaged almost 17 points per game last season. The BYU’s bigs can’t rely on Hartsock’s clutch play, but senior forward Brandon Davies is confident they can pick up where Hartsock left off.
“We have capable shooters. Nate (Austin) and Augie (Ambrosino) (are) great 15-foot range shooters,” said Davies. “They can all knock that shot down and right now it’s just a part of gaining confidence and getting reps in.”
To the surprise of many, 15 feet could be just a fraction of Davies’ actual range. After the “Cougar Tip-off” and exhibition game against Southeastern Oklahoma State, Davies is 2-3 from beyond the arc.
“That’s just one of those things that I’ve added just to try to make myself better and progress,” Davies added.
Although longer-range shots may not be Davies’ forte, Head Coach Dave Rose has given him the green light – at least for now.
“I’m a pretty easy guy to please. If you make more than you miss then you can shoot them and we’ll try and stay with that philosophy,” said Rose.
If Davies continues to develop his range, he’ll anchor a BYU frontcourt that is already chock-full of raw talent. So move over Noah Hartsock. There is a new big man on campus and he has some range.
