1. Lohner is hitting threes, taking it to the rim, and has improved his inside game. Overall dramatic improvement to his offensive game. Early in the season, his inside game was take the ball straight up, like he did in high school. He often got blocked. He's craftier now (uses his body better) and it shows.
2. Knell is hitting meaningful threes, and at a good clip and percentage.
3. Barcello is looking for mid-range shots, rather than pressing for threes. His mid-range game is deadly right now.
4. Averette has improved his decision-making.

I still believe the ceiling for this team is higher than last year's team, due to improved defense and rebounding, and better personnel/match-up options. I don't think they are currently better than last year's team, but if the 4 things above continue on their current trajectory, and we start getting at least something from George, come tournament time, this team will be better. We will win out (other than a Gonzaga match-up in the WCC tourney) and will end up around a 6-7 seed.

This is not to disparage last year's team. Great players and team chemistry. So much fun to watch, and some all-time BYU greats on that team. But, there was less height, less overall athleticism, less quality depth, and more personnel holes.