One Game At A Time

Hoop practices have officially begun across the gyms across the country. Soon the seats in the Mariott Center will be filled with screaming fans. The sigh of cougar relief came and went when Jimmer announced he would return for his senior season. Yes, the cougs have thrown together four straight 25 win seasons. Last season the jerseys in blue even won 30 games. Yes, the cougs have also had four straight trips to the Big Dance. Considering a pair of Collingsworth brothers and names like Emerey, Abouo, Jimmer, and Davies on the cougs roster it would be only be natural to have some high expectations for the upcoming season.

Gone from the roster include Jonathan Tavernari, Chris Miles, Michael Lloyd Jr and Tyler Haws. Yes, some big spots to fill. The additions to the this season's names include Anson Winder, Stephen Rogers and Kyle Collingsworth. Winder as a senior led Bishop Gorman HS (NV) to a 30-2 record in a back to back 4a state champs while averaging 17 ppg and 7 rebs. Rogers joins the cougs via Mesa CC and could score in bunches averaging 21.3 per game. As ranked one of the nations top 80 guards by ESPN Kyle Collingsworth was had offers from Kansas, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Virginia and Stanford. Kyle was even named the Deseret News Mr Basketball and Gatorade Player Of The Year.

Making room in the paint will be supplied by sophomore 6-9 Brandon Davies, junior 6-10 James Anderson and 6-9 sophomore Chris Collingsworth. Davies showed serious promise as a freshman even dropping 21 on the yewts and will be looked for his work around the glass this season. Collingsworth is an all around versatile player which fits in nicely with the cougs up tempo system. Anderson a former McDonalds all american nominee has the ability to run the floor is known for his athleticism.

In the offseason 6-5 junior Charles Abouo spent time playing with the Ivory Coast national team. The former Utah 3A player of the year last season scored 22 a season high against TCU. Abouo has a sweet midgame but also has the ability to create his own shot and take the rock to the hoop. Senior 6-6 Logan Magnusson, sophomore Brock Zylstra and Nick Martineau 6-0 should be able to provide some valuable minutes.

The cougs backcourt is a rather unique senior led combination of Jackson Emery and Jimmer Fredette. Emery 6-3 is the typical blue collar defender characterized by his relentess hustle and athletic ability. Jackson could possibly even be the league's top returning defender. Fredette is most likely the most prolific scorer the cougs have had since Danny Ainge. One such example came last season against Arizona when Fredette set a new cougar record for most points in a game with 49. In the offseason Jimmer even spent 10 days working out with TeamUSA. Dick Vitale, Athlon Sports and even Sporting News named him 1st team all american.

Considering what will be stepping onto the court for the cougs this season there definately should be some high expectations. Yes, the strength of the team might be the backcourt. Thus, another trip the to the big dance is not even a question. The bar has been set. Teams win with talent; balance, confidence, consistency and sometimes a little luck. Expectations are high but noone will know how far this crew can roll until those games are played one game at a time.

Photo credit goes to Stuart Johnson/Deseret News