BYU men’s basketball team looks forward to upcoming season

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Coach Rose mid-laugh at Media Day. He is optimistic about this upcoming season. (Natalie Boswell)
Coach Rose mid-laugh at Media Day. He said he is optimistic about this upcoming season. (Natalie Boswell)

BYU men’s basketball head coach Dave Rose headlined BYU Basketball Media Day on Tuesday to preview the upcoming season.

“I’m really excited for this team,” Rose said. “I’m excited about the depth.”

One of the big questions of the day was how the team felt having to replace a star like Tyler Haws.

“It reminds me of 4 or 5 years ago replacing Jimmer,” Rose said. “Tyler was so great for us. I think we’ll have multiple guys try to lift that load.”

Kyle Collinsworth, Corbin Kaufusi and Nick Emery fielded many questions. Most of which were about the team’s health and desire to get the season going.

Collinsworth is a 6-foot-6-inch senior guard who has battled knee problems off and on throughout his career. He wore a knee brace much of last season.

“This is as good as I’ve ever felt in my career,” Collinsworth said. “My knee feels the same as my other one. I feel really good and explosive.”

Six-foot-6-inch sophomore Kaufusi is the only returning center on the team and will play a huge role down low. Radio announcer Greg Wrubell mentioned to Kaufusi that a lot of people think the Cougars are under-rated this year.

“I can’t wait to hear what those people have to say after we start playing,” Kaufusi said. “Our goal is to win every game.”

True freshman Nick Emery echoed Kaufusi’s ambition. Emery was a four-year starter at Lone Peak High School and led the team to the 2012-2013 MaxPreps.com national title and the 5A Utah state title.

“We just want to win games,” Emery said. “We want to be able to compete on a national level against those big-time teams.”

Collinsworth had a standout season last year and set the NCAA triple-double season record. Having him at 100 percent will go a long way in filling Haws’ shoes.

Chase Fischer is one of only three seniors on the squad this year. His leadership will be key in the Cougars’ success this season.

“I’m more of a complete player now,” Fischer said. “I’ve had the best summer of my life and I think it will be a big year for me.”

Such a young and talented squad will do big things for the Cougars if they can find a rhythm. Get a look at this year’s team at Cougar Tipoff on Oct. 28th at the Marriott Center.

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