PROVO -- BYU Men's Basketball Head Coach Steve Cleveland honored Cougar players and expressed thanks to coaches and supporters Tuesday at the annual BYU Men's Basketball Awards Banquet.
"We want everyone to understand and recognize that these young men, especially these seniors, have been a very special part of this program," Cleveland said.
Senior Mike Hall was presented the team's Most Valuable Player award. The 6-foot-3 guard led BYU in scoring and was the Cougars' top perimeter defender.
"This season, Mike always had to guard the opponents' best player, and he did a pretty good job of it most evenings," Cleveland said. "Mike is an outstanding young man. He's a classy guy. He will have the opportunity to continue playing this game but the thing I'm most proud of is that he's going to graduate. To be a part of his life has been a great privilege for me."
Senior Jared Jensen received the Best Free Throw Shooter award. The Cougar center finished his career as the top free-throw shooting center in BYU history and finished No. 2 all-time in career field goal percentage.
"Jared has been with us for four years and he has stayed the course," Cleveland said. "I don't know that I've ever heard him say a negative thing about anyone, anytime, anywhere. People call him a 'Gentle Giant' but he's a giant in a lot more ways than just being a big guy. He is an outstanding role model for our young kids. He's a warrior who came and battled everyday. He was a huge part of our success over the years. He has the greatest attitude of any young man I've ever been around."
Senior Terry Nashif was given the Captain award. The former walk-on was applauded for his leadership.
"There's no question that Terry will be an outstanding coach," Cleveland said. "He's already an outstanding person. He has brought so much to the program over the last two or three years, especially with his ability to bring a group of guys together."
Sophomore forward Keena Young was given the Outstanding Rebounder award, and sophomore guard Austin Ainge received the Assist Leader award. Sophomore guard Mike Rose was honored as the Outstanding 3-Point Shooter, junior swingman Brock Reichner was given the Mr. Hustle award and freshman forward Chris Miles was named the team's Most Improved Player.
Cleveland also expressed his gratitude to the BYU administration, support staff, assistant coaches, parents, wives, fans and the media.
Speaking about his coaching staff, Cleveland said, "I greatly appreciate their efforts and especially how well they represent the program, this institution, the Church and the community. It is a great privilege for me to work with these men.
"We're committed to bringing this program back," Cleveland continued, referring to the team's 9-21 season after five straight postseason teams. "We have some great men in the program and we're excited about the young men we have coming in. We'll do everything we can to turn this thing back around."