Big Lift From Loyd

During BYU’s season opener against Bradley, the Cougars received a big lift off the bench from sophomore guard Michael Loyd. In his 22 minutes of action, Loyd scored 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting from the field. Only BYU’s two preseason First-Team All-MWC players Jimmer Fredette and Jonathan Tavernari scored more points and played more minutes for the Cougars last Friday night.   Full Story

After the Cougars held their final preseason practice on Thursday, Coach Rose took some time to talk about the new season. He talked about the types of contributions his players will make, his feelings going into the season opener against Bradley, and what his thoughts on the Braves are.   Full Story

It’s the eve of BYU’s 2009-10 season opener, and high expectations surround the Cougars. A lot of that is because of the team's much-hyped star players. But the younger role players, like Noah Hartsock, will also have the chance to step up and have a say in how far BYU goes this season. Total Blue Sports caught up with Hartsock earlier this week on Monday to see how he is developing.   Full Story

Before they start the season against Bradley Friday at the Marriott Center, the Cougars will host Central Washington Tuesday evening in their second and final exhibition game. Coach Rose spoke on Monday about the Central Washington game, and also touched on his team and the fast approaching start to the new season.   Full Story

The 2009-10 Fresno State Men’s Basketball schedule has made a change for the better. The Dec. 12 matchup with BYU has been moved from Los Angeles to the Save Mart Center, the university announced on Thursday afternoon…   Full Story

The 2009-10 men’s basketball season is inching closer and closer, as there is just more than a week until the Cougars open the season against Bradley. Coach Dave Rose and his staff are working to best prepare their team and integrate the newer players before that time arrives. Like a true coach, Rose has liked some of the things he’s seen and hasn’t been satisfied with other things.   Full Story

It’s certainly no secret that one of BYU’s strengths this season will be its guards. It’s clear that cat was let out of the bag, particularly when considering junior starting point guard Jimmer Fredette’s selection as the preseason Player of the Year in the Mountain West Conference.   Full Story

There were a lot familiar faces at Friday’s inaugural men’s basketball practice at BYU. Some of those familiar faces belonged to the many returning players on BYU’s squad, while others belonged to the former players there for a Cougar basketball alumni reunion. However, there were also a few unfamiliar faces.   Full Story

With Cougar basketball alumni both young and old in attendance, the BYU men’s basketball team held its first official practice Friday in preparation for the 2009-10 season. Following the practice, Coach Dave Rose spoke to the media about what the first day was like. He also talked about the growth seen in veteran players, how the younger guys did, and about having the alumni in attendance.   Full Story

Tuesday afternoon, senior quarterback Max Hall spoke with the media in a conference call to discuss Florida State and the challenges they present. NoleDigest was on hand for the call and has the full audio from it. In the clip, Hall discusses Florida State's pass defense, the strong home field advantage at BYU and much more.   Full Story

BYU men’s basketball head coach Dave Rose held a press conference Wednesday to discuss his recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment, how his recovery has been going, and what the future holds. Rose was joined by his doctor, Dr. Scott Samuelson, and by BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe. Additionally, assistant coaches, players and family members were in attendance as he shared good news.   Full Story

The 2009 NCAA Tournament is a big case of déjà vu for the BYU Cougars, as they have the same seed (8) and same first-round opponent (Texas A&M) as last year. Lee Cummard and Jimmer Fredette spoke this week about the rematch and the keys to the game.   Full Story

This week the top-seeded Cougars talked to the media about the upcoming Mountain West Conference Tournament. Team captains Jonathan Tavernari and Lee Cummard, as well as Coach Rose, shared their thoughts about possible matchups, conference parity, and what the Cougars need to improve on.   Full Story

It was by no means pretty, but BYU held on to beat Air Force and clinch a share of the MWC championship. That marks BYU's third consecutive league title, a feat that the Cougars haven't accomplished since the 1932-34 seasons. Total Blue Sports photographer Troy Verde was there to capture images from the hard-fought battle and the subsequent celebration.   Full Story

Senior Night has crept up yet again, and once again it's time to bid farewell to Cougars playing their last game at the Marriott Center. Archie Rose and Gavin MacGregor will be honored, though MacGregor has indicated he will petition the NCAA for another year of eligibility. And of course, one cannot forget Lee Cummard, who started 14 games as a freshman and has been a fan-favorite ever since.   Full Story

Coach Rose’s teams could certainly be labeled as second-half teams. Should BYU win its final two games, he will never have lost more than one conference game in the second half of any MWC regular season. That second-half success is being replicated by BYU's shooting lately, which is necessary given some first-half struggles.   Full Story

Fresh off of a big comeback victory on the road against the Aztecs, the Cougars are about to host league-leading Utah for a highly anticipated rivalry game. Coach Rose and Chris Miles talk about the game and the key matchups.   Full Story

With BYU currently sitting at 8-3 in the MWC and one game behind first-place Utah in the loss column, the Cougars don’t have much room for error. However, with back-to-back road games at UNLV and San Diego State, they appear to have a very tough mountain to climb, especially when considering the fact that the Cougars have yet to win a true road game against either of those teams under Coach Rose.   Full Story

It came as no surprise that Chris Miles became the starting center once Trent Plaisted left BYU, but what wasn’t known was how the depth behind him would be. Former walk-on Gavin MacGregor saw limited action two seasons ago but missed last year due to injury, while James Anderson redshirted last year after returning from a mission he left for only four days after graduating from high school.   Full Story

With the conference regular season halfway over, the Cougars have a bye this weekend. The bye has come at a good time, as the Cougars are in need of some time to heal up. In addition, the Cougars have been using the extra time between games to iron out some kinks and improve on various areas of their game.   Full Story

BYU just emerged from a difficult stretch of four games against the top teams in the league, and the results were mostly disappointing. On the bright side, they now face a stretch of games that, at least at first glance, appear to be pretty winnable. However, given BYU's injuries and the upsets and unlikely developments in the convoluted race for the Mountain West crown, one cannot be too sure.   Full Story

With less time to prepare than usual due to the game being on a Tuesday, the Cougars face another tough test when they square off against the Utes. BYU has enjoyed a lot of success in the rivalry in recent years, but that will be a difficult trend to continue given Utah's recent improvement. Lee Cummard and Coach Rose talk about the rivalry and Utah's team.   Full Story

The Cougars are in bit of a funk lately, and things don't get any easier with the San Diego State Aztecs set to square off against BYU on Saturday. Coach Dave Rose recently talked to the media about the Aztecs, and also addressed what areas his team has been underperforming in.   Full Story

Total Blue Sports caught up with freshman Charles Abouo to talk about why he came to BYU, what it's like to play Division I basketball, and how he feels he's done thus far.   Full Story

Last week New Mexico handed the BYU Cougars something they hadn't yet experienced this season: a lopsided loss. This week Coach Rose spoke with the media about rebounding from the tough loss to the Lobos, and also talked about the different challenges that UNLV poses.   Full Story