Tavernari deserves a lot of credit...

[OhioBlue]

I haven't read anything yet but I hope Tav is getting his due. Much-maligned by some, he accepted a different role in his senior season and last night he was huge. Big props to JT.

Watching him in the second half he was doing a lot of rallying and coaching on the floor. He played aggressive defense and clearly was trying to get everyone else on the floor to do the same. It was great to watch him be a leader on the floor. He went to the basket and got fouled, instead of stepping back or fading away. I think I only saw him take 1 ill-advised, semi-off-balance three pointer.

Many will point to Loyd and Emery late, but the truth is if it weren't for a JT assist to a wide open Loyd for three, and a three of his own--both of which occurred when UNLV was up by 6-8 and threatening to pull away--we could easily have lost the game. In my eyes that was the pivotal moment in the game and got the crowd right back in it.

Great job, JT.

[jay santos]

JT was huge. He's improved his shot selection. The next thing that needs to go is his lazy bounce passes. But he's helping the team right now, and his big shots down the stretch were huge.

I'm back on the JT bandwagon, not so much for his play but his attitude. His play at times make him seem like the ultimate non-team player selfish guy. But he really seemed genuine in his interview with Wrubell last night and he really seems all about the team. Paraphrasing "I wasn't shooting well and I got benched and I knew I had to adjust in order to help the team so I stopped shooting as much and focused on defense and rebounding last couple games I've shot better so hopefully I can help the team that way again, but I'll help the team anyway I can." Wow, I was very impressed. Very mature perspective instead of whining and crying and making yourself out to be a victim, he's being proactive and positive. Then he closed with "have a good night everyone and remember to read your scriptures". I like him again.

[byu71]

I don't know what transpired to cause the attitude adjustment, but I really like it.

[Flystripper]

If you know me, you know I have been one of the biggest JT "haters" on the board. That being said, he played fantastic last night and does seem to have a better attitude lately. He actually went to the basket last night a couple of times. I nearly fell out of my seat as I was cheering him on. If he plays like with that kind of control and poise BYU is nearly impossible to beat. I am crossing my fingers that he can keep it up. His history of mood swings and variable play have me only cautiously optimistic though.

I am so glad that coach Rose used the bench to get him in line. The way that coach has handled JT this year is a testament to how good of a coach he really is.

[NorthShoreCoug]

If you know me, you know I have been one of the biggest JT "haters" on the board. That being said, he played fantastic last night and does seem to have a better attitude lately. He actually went to the basket last night a couple of times. I nearly fell out of my seat as I was cheering him on. If he plays like with that kind of control and poise BYU is nearly impossible to beat. I am crossing my fingers that he can keep it up. His history of mood swings and variable play have me only cautiously optimistic though.

I am so glad that coach Rose used the bench to get him in line. The way that coach has handled JT this year is a testament to how good of a coach he really is.

Isn't this essentially what happened last year with JT? Early season, he had a few good games but mostly was shooting too much and not fitting in with the team, then Rose disciplines/works with him, and in conference play, we see a team player who is pretty solid all around.

If so, I hope it works the same way this time around.

[cougjunkie]

Just an FYI, JT asked to go to the bench. He told Coach Rose that other guys were playing better and thought he deserved to come off the bench.

[Flystripper]

Just an FYI, JT asked to go to the bench. He told Coach Rose that other guys were playing better and thought he deserved to come off the bench.

wow. I would never in a million years have guess that. That is a ton of maturity for JT.

[statman]

If you know me, you know I have been one of the biggest JT "haters" on the board. That being said, he played fantastic last night and does seem to have a better attitude lately. He actually went to the basket last night a couple of times. I nearly fell out of my seat as I was cheering him on. If he plays like with that kind of control and poise BYU is nearly impossible to beat. I am crossing my fingers that he can keep it up. His history of mood swings and variable play have me only cautiously optimistic though.

I am so glad that coach Rose used the bench to get him in line. The way that coach has handled JT this year is a testament to how good of a coach he really is.

I no longer gasp when he gets the ball beyond the 3-pt stripe. That's progress...

[myboynoah]

I haven't read anything yet but I hope Tav is getting his due. Much-maligned by some, he accepted a different role in his senior season and last night he was huge. Big props to JT.

Watching him in the second half he was doing a lot of rallying and coaching on the floor. He played aggressive defense and clearly was trying to get everyone else on the floor to do the same. It was great to watch him be a leader on the floor. He went to the basket and got fouled, instead of stepping back or fading away. I think I only saw him take 1 ill-advised, semi-off-balance three pointer.

Many will point to Loyd and Emery late, but the truth is if it weren't for a JT assist to a wide open Loyd for three, and a three of his own--both of which occurred when UNLV was up by 6-8 and threatening to pull away--we could easily have lost the game. In my eyes that was the pivotal moment in the game and got the crowd right back in it.

Great job, JT.

Well said, OB.

[TheAzzuri]

It kind of sucks that both he and Miles seem to be turning the corner mentally in their senior seasons (as opposed to earlier). I'm just really happy for him. He seems like a good kid.

If the speculation about Jimmer is true, we will need JT big-time at UTEP.