B
BroncoBotWhen the WCC coaches voted BYU as the #2 team I was a little surprised. I didn't think that BYU was returning enough talent and some hyped talent wasn't even a given. KC coming back this strong was far from expected and Aytes hadn't played a minute for BYU. Then came the exhibition games and pre-maui games that made BYU look like a church ball team who would not be competing for the top 3-4 spots in the WCC. My hopes were very low for this season.
SDSU came along and I was eagarly anticipating what BYU would show us. Early in the game I figured BYU was going to get blown out. But each time SDSU had BYU on their back and preparing for the knockout blow, BYU would get another breath and fight back to within striking distance. By the end of the game it felt like BYU was the stronger team and was on their way to winning. Credit to SDSU for finishing that game strong and getting the W. It was a shame BYU couldn't hold on.
Fischer is now the man who will endure the most criticism from fans for the rest of the year. HIs performace at chaminade cooked his goose. He won't be able to have another 12 point night without certain fans being disappointed.
Purdue I did not see but was of course frustrated with another close loss.
Questions for the rest of the year...
1. Does BYU have anyone on their schedule who will constitute a "signature win"?
That ship may have sailed. There are no currently ranked teams on the schedule. Even with wins against USU, Utah, Stanford, UMass, those teams could still bomb and I don't know if BYU finishing #2 in the WCC would be enough to get them to the dance... SDSU and purdue obviously would have been good wins.
2. Can BYU win the WCC conference (season) title?
This would almost guarantee a shot at the dance, but with Gonzaga and a guard heavy conference I think BYU will best case scenario split with the zags and some other team. Potentially a few "out of the blue" losses and BYU likely finish #2-#3. Not bad based on earlier projections.
3. Can BYU win the WCC tournament.
Here the realist side of me thinks it to be nearly impossible. BYU hasn't won a conference tournament since I was a frehsman at BYU in 2000-2001 season with Wesley at the helm. Certainly the zags are a formidable favorite and look to be one of the best teams in the west right now, let along the WCC.
Overall, I'd say BYU's chance at NCAA tournament currently sits at just north of 50%. The good news is BYU is improving and should make some large strides when Rose gets rotations solidified. Kaufusi and Nelson should continue to improve. KC being back will be of tremendous benefit for BYU as long as he stays healthy, if he goes down with another injury, I think BYU's season is all but over in regards to dancing. PG will continue to be a problem this year, especially in WCC play.
SDSU came along and I was eagarly anticipating what BYU would show us. Early in the game I figured BYU was going to get blown out. But each time SDSU had BYU on their back and preparing for the knockout blow, BYU would get another breath and fight back to within striking distance. By the end of the game it felt like BYU was the stronger team and was on their way to winning. Credit to SDSU for finishing that game strong and getting the W. It was a shame BYU couldn't hold on.
Fischer is now the man who will endure the most criticism from fans for the rest of the year. HIs performace at chaminade cooked his goose. He won't be able to have another 12 point night without certain fans being disappointed.
Purdue I did not see but was of course frustrated with another close loss.
Questions for the rest of the year...
1. Does BYU have anyone on their schedule who will constitute a "signature win"?
That ship may have sailed. There are no currently ranked teams on the schedule. Even with wins against USU, Utah, Stanford, UMass, those teams could still bomb and I don't know if BYU finishing #2 in the WCC would be enough to get them to the dance... SDSU and purdue obviously would have been good wins.
2. Can BYU win the WCC conference (season) title?
This would almost guarantee a shot at the dance, but with Gonzaga and a guard heavy conference I think BYU will best case scenario split with the zags and some other team. Potentially a few "out of the blue" losses and BYU likely finish #2-#3. Not bad based on earlier projections.
3. Can BYU win the WCC tournament.
Here the realist side of me thinks it to be nearly impossible. BYU hasn't won a conference tournament since I was a frehsman at BYU in 2000-2001 season with Wesley at the helm. Certainly the zags are a formidable favorite and look to be one of the best teams in the west right now, let along the WCC.
Overall, I'd say BYU's chance at NCAA tournament currently sits at just north of 50%. The good news is BYU is improving and should make some large strides when Rose gets rotations solidified. Kaufusi and Nelson should continue to improve. KC being back will be of tremendous benefit for BYU as long as he stays healthy, if he goes down with another injury, I think BYU's season is all but over in regards to dancing. PG will continue to be a problem this year, especially in WCC play.