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PROVO -- And just like that, the season is over. Despite a valiant effort, the BYU Cougars fell to a strong Marquette team in the NCAA Tournament.
It's been a great year, one of the most enjoyable in my 15 years of broadcasting. After losing Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery, the expectations for this year's group were fairly low. They went on to win 26 games, including a miraculous 25-point comeback victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament over Iona.
In my view, Coach Dave Rose may have done his best coaching job yet and this group of young men really epitomized what it means to play as a team.
Here are some of my highlights, memories and thoughts from the 2011-2012 season.
Brandon Davies is back After the events at the end of the last season, I thought we'd seen the last of Brandon Davies in Cougar blue. Indeed, it would have been much easier for the highly sought-after big man to take his talents somewhere else and avoid all the personal awkwardness and unease that returning to BYU would likely entail. I respect, more than I can express here, Brandon's choice to accept responsibility for his actions and to keep his commitments to his teammates and school.
After a bit of a slow start, Davies turned in a magnificent conference season, almost averaging a double-double. Who could forget his 28 points at St. Mary's and his 22 rebounds against San Diego. And what a better way to end the season than to star for the Cougars in the NCAA Tournament, where last year he had to painfully watch his teammates play without him.
Indeed, Brandon is a great example to all of us. I believe he has a marvelous future both in basketball and in life.
Noah, Two by Two
In a strange way, I'm glad Noah was injured for a time late in the season. It simply went to reinforce just how important he was to this year's team. Unquestionably the leader on the floor, he turned in one of the most clutch performances in BYU history in the Iona game. He leaves BYU tied with Shawn Bradley as No. 2 on the shot block list and he joins Devin Durrant, Jeff Chatman and Kenneth Roberts as the best 15-foot jump shooters ever to wear a Cougar uniform. His lack of athleticism and often silly demeanor endeared him all the more to me. I always liked Clark Kent better than Superman. I will miss Noah, but not as much as Coach Rose and BYU's basketball program will.
Sir Charles
Charles Abouo is one of the kindest, most gracious young men I've ever met at BYU. His 19-point, 16-rebound game against Longwood exemplified his athleticism and determination. Game in and game out he would draw the defensive assignment to guard the other team's best player. A sweet three-point stroke and awe-inspiring moves at the rim will not soon be forgotten. But the thing that impresses me most about Charles is that he will leave BYU as the all-time leader in games won, games played and in most consecutive games played. That confirms in my mind that he is one of the toughest, most determined players to ever play at BYU.
The Freshman
Whether it was his near-heroic first game against Baylor or his spectacular 30-point game against San Francisco, Matt Carlino proved to me that he has what it takes to be a star at BYU. While his lack of experience and inconsistency were at times hard to ignore, his freshman season to me was a spectacular achievement. Mark my words, when Matt walks off the court for the last time in three years, he will leave as one of the great BYU point guards ever.
Utility Infielders
Where would this team have been without the play of Brock Zylstra, Craig Cusick and Anson Winder? Each had their share of big games and big moments. Each was called to play multiple positions to address BYU's needs over the course of the year. Each was the consummate team player, seeking the betterment of the team over their own success. These guys simply made BYU better. They provided discipline, hard work and devotion, not to mention big shots at big times for the Cougars. As a former role player, I feel a brotherhood with these guys and they certainly did me proud this year.
Rexosaurus Rex Probable this year's biggest surprise, literally and figuratively, was Nate Austin. With Chris Collinsworth going out early, he provided a crucial back-up to both Brandon and Noah. His abilities at the "4" and "5" positions provided Rose with great flexibility and depth. When given the opportunity, Nate grabbed it with gusto. Always displaying great hustle and defense, he also added a surprisingly soft touch and range. I began to be surprised when one of his three pointers didn't go in. His uncanny ability to take charges was only matched by Davies. It will be tough to replace Noah next year, but having Nate around makes that pill a bit easier to swallow.
The Rest of the Best
Damarcus Harrison provided some exciting moments and many exciting glimpses into his future. No Cougar fan will ever forget his performance in the Iona game. That will be a good memory for Damarcus as he leaves for two years on his LDS mission. I believe he has greatness in him and I think a mission will only help him when he returns to the court. My heart breaks for Stephen Rogers. His injury was tough on the team and I'm sure devastating to him personally. I counted on Stephen to play a huge role on this year's team.
A big part of BYU's struggles from 3 in the second half of the season was that Stephen wasn't shooting them. If he can get healthy, he will be a big part of next year's team.
Finally, no one played harder than Josh Sharp when he got the chance. If he can put on some weight and improve his jumper, he will provide Coach Rose with another great option down low.
When the season ends, I'm always excited about the future, and BYU's future is something that Cougar fans should be very excited about. But I also get nostalgic for the past. As a has-been player, I admit it brings a smile to my face when someone remembers me or my teams. So, as the years go by, if it's any consolation to this year's team, I want them to know that I will always remember and will treasure the many exciting moments this team gave and will forever cherish my relationships with these terrific young men. This year's team was successful in many different ways, but records and statistics aside, their greatest accomplishments came through who they are as men and how they represented the University I love in the very best of ways.
I thank them for that.
