PROVO, Utah – BYU coach Dave Rose and members of the team met with the media at the annual BYU Basketball Media Day on Thursday. See what they had to say below.
Dave Rose
Opening statement:
“We’re excited for our first day of practice on Monday. I think our guys are really looking forward to a time where we can consistently meet in practice for longer periods of time. First of all, it impresses me everyday how hard our staff works and how much time they put in for the good of our program, team and these individual players. I want to thank them for that preparation time and look forward to that all paying off in the next six months. Along with our assistant coaches, our players have really put in the work and dedication. We look ready to start practice and I’m excited to take these 18 guys who prepared so well and these coaches who put the time in and start this journey. “
Biggest improvement:
“I think with the depth of this year’s team, you’ll see a fresher, more energized, more emotional and a more physical team. I think the 10 guys we had last year did a phenomenal job in how they navigated through that year with all the challenges they had. The physical nature on our frontline will be improved because of our depth, and our guards have been good for years so hopefully we continue to do that.”
On the seniors:
“This senior class is so impressive to me, because they’re willing and eager to share their experience with these younger guys. I see it in the short workouts that we’ve had together of guys pulling them over on the side and explaining certain things that may have gotten away from them or they didn’t execute the way they need to. You can tell when you get a group that is really concerned about other guys, especially other guys that are playing their position, that you’ve got a special group. They are everyday guys. What they really bring is an everyday toughness to a group of really talented guys.”
“What really makes the teams are the chemistry and the leadership, and I’m really excited for this year’s leadership, because these five seniors will come everyday with a piece of urgency to them and the finality of their career that maybe we didn’t have in our locker room last year.”
On Tyler Haws:
“What he’s done to this point is remarkable. I’m amazed when I actually sit down and look at the numbers, but that’s only half of what Tyler has brought to the program. He’s an example of what I would consider true BYU greatness. He embraces the culture here at BYU and everything that he does is for the good of the team and the good of the program.”
On Corbin Kaufusi:
“He’s so young, so raw and so active, and doesn’t have a lot of basketball experience behind him, but can really dominate at times in a pick-up game or a short scrimmage. He’s got great timing, can block shots and rebound out of his area and can really run. Every ball on the floor, he thinks is a fumble because he dives on them and gives his team extra possessions. I love his energy, I love his size and I love how physical he plays.”
On preseason schedule:
“This is a really challenging preseason schedule. I fully believe that our team will be prepared for this. I think if you ask the seniors, they’re really excited about the schedule. The Maui Invitational is obviously the premiere event of our nonconference schedule, but the three games before that will be a real challenge. With December’s preseason schedule, we have an opportunity to make real noise on the national level.”
Tyler Haws
On this season’s goals:
“Our main goal is to try and win every game we play. For us to reach our postseason goals we have to have a good start to our season and we have to play well at home. We just want to win.”
On team defense:
“We’re definitely trying to get better on defense and trying to change the culture of the way we do things at BYU. There are so many talented scorers on this team, but we want to get down and defend some people this year. That’s going to make the biggest difference going forward and winning games.”
On good start in conference play:
“It’ll be huge. Our conference is tough and there are a lot of underrated teams and they all want a piece of BYU. We have to be ready to play every night, but we’re looking forward to that first game with Gonzaga.”
Anson Winder
On biggest difference this year:
“I think it’s mentality and confidence. I think guys are a lot more confident in their games just from the way our summer has been and the way coach has handled our situations. We’re all also very close. We’re all friends and we’re always together. I think we understand that it’s bigger than just one person – it’s all about the team. We’re not going to get far with personal agendas and selfishness, and I think we understand that. That will carry out throughout the year and we’re going to need each other if we’re going to get this done.”
On tough times:
“Tough times happen every year, but it’s on the seniors to keep that leadership. It starts with us and we have to bring it everyday in practice and before games. Coach expects a lot out of us five to be the coaches on the floor.”
Kyle Collinsworth
On doubters after injury:
“It’s fine that people doubt because I tore my ACL, but I have a really good feeling about this year. I’ve worked hard and I know I’m going to come back and be even better than last year.”
On playing point guard:
“I feel like that’s my true position and so does the coaching staff, so I’m excited to pick up and be the point guard for the team.”
On the Maui Invitational:
“We’re excited now, but you just have to have a one-game-at-a-time mindset and take care of business and take care of the task at hand. Every game is a good game and every game is an important game.