Opening the Spectrum
In-state rivalries aren’t usually played this early in the season and USU head coach Stew Morrill said he’s concerned his inexperienced team hasn’t had enough practice yet.
“It’s hard to believe we are playing BYU this early,” Morrill said. “It’s kind of unusual. The nature of this preseason stuff is that in-state games sometimes come up on you quick. Certainly with our team, we could use a lot more practice time than we are getting. You’re off and running, and ready or not, here we go.”
The Aggies have only played twice against other teams, but both games have been exhibitions. Utah State will host BYU on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game is sold out and tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Aggies lost the winningest class of seniors last season to graduation, while the Cougars are without a two players who made them very successful last season.
Jimmer Fredette, who would be playing in the NBA if it wasn’t for the lockout, led the Cougars to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Jackson Emery, who averaged nearly three steals per game, anchored a defense on a team that focused on pushing the pace of the offense to win.
Despite losing those players, Morrill said he’s still concerned about BYU.
“Their size is definitely an issue,” he said. “They are plus 15 in rebounding for their past two games. That’s something we’re concerned about. We’ve been trying to work hard on rebounding in practice. With two experienced post guys, that is a big part of our preparation with them having (Noah) Hartsock and Brandon (Davies) to throw the ball to.”
Hartsock started all but one game for BYU last season and averaged nine points and six rebounds a game. Davies, before he was dismissed from the team for BYU Honor Code violations, started nearly every game he played and averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game.
Due to BYU’s size advantage, 6-foot-10, 270-pound freshman center Jordan Stone will most likely see some playing time. Stone proved to be a physical force in the post, with an ability to score at times in USU’s exhibition games.
“Jordan is in a position where he is going to see time,” Morrill said. “Like everybody, how effective he is out there will determine how much he plays. He probably doesn’t know I am encouraged, but I am encouraged by some things I see from him. He’s not a polished offensive player at all yet, and that’s a ways down the road before we are going to be able to talk about his offense, but he is a presence with size. He can guard a little bit. He’s physical. He can certainly set some screens.”
Morrill is not only concerned with BYU’s front line, he is considered with the size of the entire team.
“They are big all over the court,” he said. “Charles is a very good rebounder, very strong, very athletic (and) very quick to the boards. Their point guard (Brock Zylstra) is 6 foot 6. At their two guard, we think they will start Stephen Rogers, at 6 foot 8. We’re going to look small out there. There is no getting around that. They are just a big team this year.”
Morrill is also concerned about how to defend the talented BYU squad.
“When you have big, good inside players, it really helps if you can make some perimeter shots to free it up inside,” he said. “Zylstra is a really good shooter. They have very capable shooters in Rogers and Charles and guys coming off the bench as well. If you’re going to double, you’re going to give up some open shots. If you don’t double, you’re probably going to give some individual post moves.”
One factor that may affect both teams will be the raucous crowd — the noise — that will occupy the Spectrum on Friday. Even though BYU has not won in the Spectrum since 2000, Morrill said he isn’t sure who will be more affected by the chaotic atmosphere.
“You talk about it,” Morrill said. “I don’t think you just ignore it. You’ve got to talk about it and tell them the sooner they can settle in emotionally, the better off they are going to be. They’ve maybe seen it on a highlight tape, in person, but they’ve never played with it. Those are totally different things. It’ll be interesting to see who is more antsy with the magnitude of the crowd, us or them.”
For senior forward Brady Jardine, there is a simple solution to thriving in the atmosphere.
“Both teams will make runs next week,” Jardine said, “and we just have to have the composure knowing that no matter how loud things get — no matter how crazy things get — we can come back and win the game,” Jardine said.
Jardine, along with the rest of the squad, said he is excited and ready for BYU.
“The excitement is definitely there,” he said. “It’s my last chance to play them. I’m excited as heck for it. Our team is excited. It’s going to be a fun game. We’re going to come out and we’re going to play as hard as we give everything we’ve got.”
– ty.d.hus@aggiemail.usu.edu