perimeter d, rebounding, post scoring are problems

[BYULV]

Definitely a lot to improve on, but it's game #1. We have not settled into a starting 5 or consistent rotation yet. This team will be developing its identity over the next few weeks and then it we will have a much better idea of what we can expect from them. It's way too early to go negative on this team, but I do agree that worthington as a starter is a scary omen. I'm still not sold on Halford. After last year's flash of brilliance followed by mediocrity, And his terrible preseason, I'll wait till he prove it with consistency.

I don't put too much stock into the high score; that's mainly a result of the torrid pace both teams were trying to establish. Sloppiness, turnovers and loose defense are first game struggles that I think we will greatly improve on as we play more.

[byucougar1]

Couple of things that demonstrate improvement over last year:

1. BYU played man defense for most all of the game, as opposed to zone (which they played all of last year). BYU did force 18 TO against good LBSU ball handlers and Tyler Haws had 3 steals (that was a rarity last year).
2. BYU has 3-point shooters this year (Haws, Halford, Fisher, Winder) - they shot .458 for the game which is good enough to win for most games.
3. BYU was able to rotate the big men in the game and give up some fouls (Worthington, Kafusi, Nielsen and Austin) did a good job on LBSU athletic big men (i.e. Temidayo Yussuf (6-7, 260) is a man-child and a load to handle. Eric McKnight (6-9) is long and can sky). They were neutralized by the 4 bigs and weren't much of a scoring threat.
4. Mike Caffey (26 points) is a baller and will see the NBA after graduation. He was the reason that BYU struggled as his penetration and kick out to sharp 3point shooting specialists: McKay LaSalle, Jack Williams and Deontae North caused BYU trouble all game. Fortunately, BYU ended up playing Winder, Halford, Fisher, Haws and Austin to counter their guard play and they prevailed.
5. Welcome back to improved FT shooting. Big man Nielsen shot .857, and Austin .750 and team overall shot .848.
6. BYU can play small or big this year and definitely have more options/depth than they did last year. When KC gets back to full health and ability, they will be a better team than last year.

One game doesn't make a season, but there were some positive trends that were evident despite the 90 points that were given up.

[Qman]

To me the important things we saw tonight:

KC was rusty and step slow.

Winder and Halford improved over last year.

We have a lot of good 3 point shooters.

We have one big guy ready for crunch time(Austin). Btw Austin is still 15 pounds away from having a real chance on the NBA. Guys how can move on D and rebound and are 6'11" are always in style. Though he will never gain the weight.

I hope over next few games we see Kaufusi taking some big steps. Worthington is better than he was last year. If he was 2 inches taller, then the fact he can't jump would be okay.

Overall I am encouraged. We have a lot of good experienced guards. They can do the PG by committee thing.

[BoiseBYU]

One game I know, but here are my thoughts. Maybe Carlino left because he knew Fischer would take many minutes away from him. I liked Fischer's play and don't think I'll be missing Carlino. Haws is such a scorer but he also turns it over too much and is no defensive asset. I guess we get to appreciate what he is, which is a lot, instead of what I'd hoped. Austin will do ok. He ain't Mika, but the bigger question is whether Nielson and Kaufusi can provide good enough support. Perimeter D is still a work in process. Free throws were money and will be a huge plus if that continues. KC is such an athlete. He needs to get the rust out and I hope he can find a 15 foot shot. The team needs KC. Up and down year with mostly ups I hope