Some good individual effort on defense but that is where the work is needed with 9 new roster additions. The only thing i can offer is what has been widely stated publicly by players and coaches, that is a full commitment to defense is important.

As an old quant, my view is they need to hire a stat guru like Utah's own Ken Pomeroy. As Max Dugan says in the movie "you've got to have the right philosophy." San Diego State Coach Steve Fisher understands that great defenses must stop the 2 pt FG. Pomeroy has proven it is pretty unwise to compromise on that in exchange for a usually futile attempt to defend the 3. If Jimmer and his mates hit 14 3s, they are going to beat you. Defend the rim. This team has the athletes to dominate the glass so hopefully they box out well and opponents' put backs will be reduced.

Love the coaches but defense needs a makeover to maximize this enormous talent. BYU has better athletes and better shooters than top 15 ranked SDSU; hope they have the right philosophy and KC well in place by the time they meet on 11/24.

All of the returning players are improved, imo. Haws is working harder on defense and extending his shooting range to make himself more appealing to the pros. Don't see anyone taking charge though different players get hot from time to time. Lots of great shooting. But Kaufusi always stands out, running the floor, dunking, blocking shots, rebounding and put backs.

Halford and Ellis are running the floor well at PG. The versatile Bartley is also playing there and he must continue to improve his leadership to get his well deserved minutes at PG but might wind up elsewhere as the season progesses.

Team leadership, absent the last couple of years, looks dependent on Collinsworth's 100% recovery. He says he won't be playing until Long Beach State so him taking charge of the team is going to take time to develop.