BYU Basketball 24-25-Bring out the Jelly!

[PaloAltoCougar]

A very impressive win, more so even than Kansas. The team has really come together. Glad Catchings got some mojo back.

[BigFatMeanie]

I think that win seals a tourney invite for BYU

[BigFatMeanie]

Yes, yes he can!

[BigFatMeanie]

Can Saunders be clutch?

[BigFatMeanie]

Hall missed that clutch free throw. So frustrating.

[BigPiney]

Make a f'n free throw.

[Jeff Lebowski]

We are a much better team compared to when AZ came to Provo.

[BigPiney]

BYU should be ranked regardless of the outcome of this game.

[byufan4ever]

Great first half against Arizona. Too bad Arizona hit a 3 there at the end. We just need to clean up our rebounding.

[byufan4ever]

Ah yes, the refs helping Arizona back into the game with some very touchy fouls...

[Pelado]

Any CSers going to be in the McKale Memorial Center for the game tonight?

Which BYU player is most likely to break the facility's single-game scoring record of 49?

Question: What do you remember about coaching against Jimmer (in the NCAA tournament when Lloyd was an assistant at Gonzaga)?

Tommy Lloyd: I mean, he's a really good player. He lit us up just like he lit Arizona up. You know, so, heck of a player. Good 3-on-3 player now, too.

(starting at the 14:16 mark)

[byufan4ever]

I didn't realize that The Cut did basketball games!

[Pelado]

BYU men's basketball current ratings:

NET: 40
KenPom: 34
ESPN BPI: 30
BPI Resume: 45
Faktor KPI: 58
AP: NR
Coaches: NR

Record against Quad 1: 3-5
Quad 2: 3-3
Quad 3: 4-0
Quad 4: 6-0

Games remaining against Quad 1: 4
Quad 2: 2
Quad 3: 1
Quad 4: 0

ESPN's BPI predictor model gives BYU a 78.5% chance to win at home against Kansas State (NET: 70, KenPom 57) on Saturday, predicting a margin of 8.1 points. It's ranked 14th of the day's games in "Matchup Quality".

For Tuesday's home game against Kansas (NET: 11, KenPom: 10), BPI projects an 54.7% chance of a Jayhawk victory, with an expected margin of 1.2 points. It's ranked 3rd of the day's games in "Matchup Quality".

For the tournament projections, BPI currently shows BYU with the following chances:
Round of 32: 32.7%
Sweet 16: 10.8%
Elite 8: 4.1%
Final 4: 1.3%
Title game: 0.3%
Champion: 0.1%

They are listed as the 33rd highest odds of winning the tournament. Big 12 teams with better odds:
Houston - 20.4%
Arizona - 4.0%
Iowa State - 3.4%
Kansas - 2.7%
Texas Tech - 2.2%
Baylor - 0.8%

BYU men's basketball current ratings:

NET: 31
KenPom: 30
ESPN BPI: 26
BPI Resume: 38
Faktor KPI: 45
AP: NR
Coaches: NR

Record against Quad 1: 3-7 (losses to TCU and Utah jumped from Quad 2 to Quad 1, win over UCF dropped to Quad 2)
Quad 2: 4-1
Quad 3: 5-0
Quad 4: 6-0

Games remaining against Quad 1: 3
Quad 2: 2
Quad 3: 0
Quad 4: 0

ESPN's BPI predictor model gives BYU just a 22.9% chance to win at Arizona (NET: 9, KenPom 11) on Saturday, predicting a margin of 7.6 points. It's ranked 5th of the day's games in "Matchup Quality".

For Wednesday's game at Arizona State (NET: 66, KenPom: 63), BPI projects a 63.7% chance of a Cougar victory, with an expected margin of 3.5 points. It's ranked 10th of the day's games in "Matchup Quality".

For the tournament projections, BPI currently shows BYU with the following chances:
Round of 32: 50.2%
Sweet 16: 19.4%
Elite 8: 8.2%
Final 4: 3.4%
Title game: 1.2%
Champion: 0.3%

They are listed as the 29th highest odds of winning the tournament. Big 12 teams with better odds:
Houston - 21.6%
Arizona - 3.7%
Iowa State - 3.6%
Texas Tech - 2.3%
Kansas - 1.3%
Baylor - 0.8%

[Jeff Lebowski]

I think Catchings on the ball defense is very good. I think his issues are understanding system flow-likely a function of inexperience. I think he will be a good defender in future seasons.

I am fine with what the coaches do but I don't think the portal is a panacea-this year's team is more talented than last years but lacks the experience and familiarity and that is why it isn't as good. The portal has its place to augment a good core of internally developed players but I think KY's branding can take a ding if there is a mass exodus. Obviously, if Catchings leaves that isn't a mass exodus but I think the potential is there and despite him not performing up to expectations in year 1 it is my hope he and the staff stay committed to his long term goals. A great example of this is look how much Noah Waterman improved once he got comfortable and familiar with the system, his teammates and Provo. He transferred to Louisville and statistically he looks more like Noah Waterman from 2023 than 2024. Familiarity and continuity matter.

Agreed. My point still stands.

I am guessing with AJ coming next year, there will be some great portal potential during the off season if someone leaves.

[Goatnapper'96]

If Catchings leaves, they can use that NIL money to get a different player, preferably one that knows how to play defense.

I have been very pleased to see BYU's defense gradually improve over the course of the season. If Catchings can't play defense, I fully support the coaches not playing him.

I think Catchings on the ball defense is very good. I think his issues are understanding system flow-likely a function of inexperience. I think he will be a good defender in future seasons.

I am fine with what the coaches do but I don't think the portal is a panacea-this year's team is more talented than last years but lacks the experience and familiarity and that is why it isn't as good. The portal has its place to augment a good core of internally developed players but I think KY's branding can take a ding if there is a mass exodus. Obviously, if Catchings leaves that isn't a mass exodus but I think the potential is there and despite him not performing up to expectations in year 1 it is my hope he and the staff stay committed to his long term goals. A great example of this is look how much Noah Waterman improved once he got comfortable and familiar with the system, his teammates and Provo. He transferred to Louisville and statistically he looks more like Noah Waterman from 2023 than 2024. Familiarity and continuity matter.