more likely this team will get an invite to the Big Dance and max out with one win, if that. Like you, I like Nielsen, but he is a bean pole. I will have to seem more before I decide Nielsen brings more to the table this year than the experience of Nate Austin. Also, Aytes is only 6'5" (despite the media guide). He may become a Keena Young, but Keena wasn't a Keena Young until his senior year. Haws is still the team's most efficient scorer. Haws is special. He may not have NBA hops, but in every other respect, he is special. Ride that guy as far as you can. Collinsworth may have more NBA potential, assuming he heals 100%. But, Provo HS grads who played under Drury all struggle to shoot outside of the key. Collinsworth needs to expand his game to reach his potential. Among Winder, Fisher, Bartley and Chatman, I suspect that Chatman may have the highest ceiling, but I am not sure he is ready to push the other three to the bench this year. Inside, we have seen that neither Sharp nor Worthington are ready to play for pay. As for the newcomers, everyone likes Aytes and Nielsen is intriguing, but we need one more to step up from the group of Nixon, Andrus, and Corbin. It is a little early to tell whether any of the inside players will develop enough to earn a paycheck in hoops. I hope so, but too early to tell. What is very interesting is the sheer number of bodies battling for time on the court. That alone should help this team reach its potential. Also, Dave Rose has a schedule designed to get BYU a few extra wins, which should help with seeding etc.

Gonzaga is the reigning WCC champ. BYU may have the potential to beat the Zags, but its a long season and that potential needs to materialize before BYU starts cutting down any nets.