Right now the big question to me is how are we going to win a tourney game next year. I think this is a question on the mind of pretty much every fan on these boards. However, it was a question I never heard come up in interviews or articles. Why can't one of the KSL guys or newspapers ask the only post-game question that is relevant?

Go Cougs!!!!!!!!!!

Hawkeye-Coug wrote:

Right now the big question to me is how are we going to win a tourney game next year. I think this is a question on the mind of pretty much every fan on these boards. However, it was a question I never heard come up in interviews or articles. Why can't one of the KSL guys or newspapers ask the only post-game question that is relevant?

Go Cougs!!!!!!!!!!

I think I know how the response would go.

Jason Franchuk/Darnell Dickson: "Coach Rose, how are you going to win a tourney game next year?"

Coach Rose: "We'll start preparations right now, with recruiting and player development, so we can be successful next year."

Jason Franchuk/Darnell Dickson: "But, this season was supposed to be one of BYU's most talented teams ever, and you couldn't beat a mediocre Texas A&M team in the tournament. How is BYU ever going to win a tournament game if they couldn't win this year?"

Coach Rose: "We will work to keep getting better, taking things game-by-game, and we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Jason Franchuk/Darnell Dickson: "Isn't that a little cliche?"

Coach Rose: "You're a little cliche! This press conference is over!"

My point being, I don't think even the most brilliant reporter could get a legitimate answer to that question from coaches or players. That kind of question is better to be posed by a columnist, who could offer their opinion on the subject.

If you ask me, though I remain thoroughly disgusted by yesterday's performance, I think this team will be better next season. We lose Burgess and Murdock, but that's it. We'll see improvement from Plaisted (no way he goes to the NBA after yesterday's disappearing act), Cummard, Tavernari. Jimmer Fredette will break out as a sophomore starting point guard for BYU (seriously, I expect he'll average something like 12 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists next season). Jackson Emery will be back. Chris Miles will have a year of improvement. We get Lamont Morgan off his redshirt, he will help us against those speedy, athletic guards. BYU has the potential to be very good next season.

That said, I'm bidding basketball a not-so-fond farewell for a bit. It's spring football, my awesome Red Sox and baseball season and looking forward to a BCS-busting 2008 season for the Cougar football squad. There's still plenty to love.

Go Cougars (even the basketball team)!

Jared Cowley

Hate to say it Jared, but the Tigers are going to walk away with the AL this year.

I'm a die hard Angels fan but Detroit has the sickest roster that I've seen in a long time.

I'm believing the answer is, we're going to have three key seniors that will have their last chance to win in the tournament. I think all it takes is for one of them (and/or one of the underclassmen) to find the intensity to play a superior game. Each of them has had at least a game during the season like that. I think if we're successful and don't peak too early, odds are in favor of it. The focus should be there.

One thing I would really like to see the team do is practice its free throws. You can't win big games if you can't hit your free throws. Even if you have the lead, you can't close out if you can't hit from the charity stripe.

Still I am proud of our Cougars. Next year should be another good one.

A lot will depend on whether BYU is able to score in the paint. Ferdette's ability to score inside will be huge next year, but they really need someone who can play power forward. If they keep playing live and die by the 3 ball they won't win again next year.