The lowdown
2000-01 record: 29-4; 10-4 in MWC (t1st)
Final Ranking: NR
Postseason: Lost to Cincinnati 84-59 in first round of NCAA Tournament
Three Questions for 2001-02
1. How can the Cougars replace the leadership of Mekeli Wesley, Terrell Lyday, Trent Whiting and Nathan Cooper? The four led them to the tournament title and a first-round loss against Cincinnati and the experience was invaluable.
2. How much can Michael Vranes take on for the Cougars? Will he become the go-to player, will he get help?
3. How will the Cougars balance a delicate roster with missionaries returning, going and newcomers that will force inexperienced players on the court? Will there be a chemistry issue?
Andy Katz's Scenarios
Best case: BYU drops to the middle of the pack and hovers around .500, making a token run at the NIT.
Worst case: The Cougars fall hard after losing four seniors and drop to the bottom of the league for a season before recouping their losses through returning missionaries.
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Key Players Returning
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Player
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Yr.
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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Eric Nielsen
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Sr.
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F
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6-8/210
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PTS: 6.2 | REB: 3.9 | AST: 0.6
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Daniel Bobik
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So.
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G
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6-6/195
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PTS: 3.5 | REB: 1.4 | AST: 0.9
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Travis Hansen
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Jr.
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G
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6-6/225
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PTS: 5.5 | REB: 3.1 | AST: 1.2
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Key Losses
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Player
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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Mekeli Wesley
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F
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6-9/230
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PTS: 17.2 | REB: 5.4 | AST: 1.3
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Terrell Lyday
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G
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6-3/190
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PTS: 16.4 | REB: 2.8 | AST: 2.0
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Trent Whiting
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G
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6-1/180
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PTS: 14.2 | REB: 3.2 | AST: 2.3
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BYU Signings
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Player
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Pos.
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Ht.
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High School/College
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Jared Jensen
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F
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6-9
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Plain City, Utah/Fremont H.S.
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Shawn Opunui
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G
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5-11
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Orem, Utah/Orem H.S.
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