in Arizona. (Great kid!) When we visited one time and were talking about post-mission and BYU basketball I asked him - "Who is the toughest player to guard on BYU's roster, and who is the best shooter?" Without hesitation he said: "Fouss is almost impossible to stop. He is so strong in his lower body and his positioning, along with upper body strength. You can't move him out, and he uses the basket so well on both sides. He is a great player, and a great person."

As for shooter, he said: "Knell is easily the best shooter. When he gets open and is hitting he is so consistent. He shooting is so pure."

Townsend was a great kid, and tough competitor. He did very well this past season (until his back injury forced him out) and hit the boards whenever he was in there. I asked him what it was like to play for BYU and how he felt about the Big 12 opportunities coming up (after he had been released from his mission). He said: "To play against the best every week is what we all want, and that is why I look forward to the Big 12."

With Fouss, Hall, Saunders, Knell, Baker, and even Tripple, as a foundational core, and with all the quality players we have brought in (Demin, Catchings, Mag, Keita, Koz, Crawford, and even Mboup and Triplett, we are in for a treat this season I believe. Trying to figure out starters would be a fun challenge to have. 13 quality players right there!

Go Cougars!