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Recently returned from his two-year church mission to the Philippines, BYU guard Tyler Haws met with the local media on Wednesday, saying "I feel great; it's been great to get back and be on the BYU campus again...excited to start the next chapter."
You can hear the entire ten-minute session in "Cougar Cuts," left.
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Haws says his freshman season playing weight of 200-205 lbs. dropped to 190 during his mission; he adds that "I got sick a few times, but for the most part I stayed healthy my whole mission, which is a great blessing, I think."
Now, he says, "I'm trying to get that weight back, and gain some muscle back."
Haws' post-mission workout regimen will feature no team basketball for the short term. "The first few months, I don't know if I'm going to get in any pick-up games," said Haws, "just individual work and trying to get back in shape."
"I'm going to be lifting--lifting a lot--and and working out with my dad (former Cougar guard Marty)...and the NCAA has a new rule--the coaches can work a little bit more (with players); just kind of a mixture of it all."
Haws says he has set no timetable for his return to playing shape, although he expects to be full speed by the time team practices start in October.
"It's a process," says Haws. "It will take a while, and I'm ready to patient with myself, and just take it one day at a time."
Haws says he has collaborated with BYU coaches in drawing up a conditioning plan, and that "staying healthy is a big thing."
"I'm going to do my best to get back in shape--get back to playing shape."
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Haws says while in the Philippines, he played some basketball on P-Day (missionaries' weekly preparation day) and some Saturdays.
"They love basketball over there," said Haws, adding that because of his size (6'5"), a position change was in order. "I was kind of the center over there." Asked if he 'dominated' his mission field court mates, Haws said he "tried to take easy a little bit. I just had fun with them; the Filipino people are great, and I miss them."
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While Haws was away, a lot happened within the BYU Basketball program. Haws' 2009-10 teammate Jimmer Fredette won National Player of the Year honors in 2010-11, and the school changed basketball conferences for the 2011-12 campaign. Haws says his dad tried to keep him up to speed on goings-on during their regular correspondence.
"I heard Jimmer did some great things, and I heard they had a few great seasons...I'm just happy with where the program is at right now."
Haws says he discovered news of Jimmer's national honors "in a little internet shop...just reading my e-mails."
"I was so excited for Jimmer...couldn't be happier for him. Jimmer is a great guy; just to hear the things he did that next season--that was awesome."
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Asked about his expectations for the coming season, Haws said "I expect to pick right up where I left off. I expect to be on the floor and to play, and just help my team win, however I can."
Haws left for his mission having made 48 consecutive free throws--an ongoing BYU record, despite his two-year layoff. Haws admits that he has thought about the streak "a little bit," quickly adding that "I've just gotta make the next one."
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Haws' dad Marty was a BYU teammate of Jeff Chatman, whose son and BYU signee Jordan is entering Provo's Missionary Training Center today. Haws says he saw Jordan and Jeff on Tuesday as the pair stopped by the weight room.
"Jordan's a good friend, a great kid, and it sounds like he had a couple great (high school) years. I'm excited to play with him when he gets back." Asked about Chatman embarking on his two-year mission just as Haws returns, Tyler said "I know all of those feelings that he's feeling."
Haws said "for sure," when asked if he can see a basketball benefit to his two seasons away. "I learned lots of different skills on my mission, as far as being vocal, being a leader; I think those things will help me going forward in the BYU program."
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Looking ahead to the 2012-13 season, Haws said "we expect to come in and be a great team. The (West Coast Conference) is tough; there are really good teams in our conference, and we've got to be ready to play each and every night."
Haws says he will probably catch up on Cougar hoops by watching some of BYU's recent NCAA Tournament games, but he notes that reliving past victories will take a backseat to the current work of preparation.
"I'm looking forward to this next season; that's kind of where my focus is right now. I want to be on the court and help my team win. I feel like I can help in many different ways on both ends of the court. I'm ready to step in and play."
For the time being, most of that playing is taking place alongside his dad Marty. And that's just fine with Tyler.
"We've shot a few different times; it feels good to get back in the gym with him. We've been in the gym a lot together, so it's been fun getting back into it."
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Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
