Is it hoops season yet?

Yes, it is. BYU played an exhibition game last week, has another one tomorrow, and they start the regular season at home against Bradley this Friday. While last week's game was an exhibition and didn't count for anything: there were 7 major things I learned about the Cougar basketball team from the event.

1) There are plenty of bodies to replace Lee Cummard, but none of them are anything close to Lee Cummard. Charles Abouo got the start. Tyler Haws played quite a bit at the 3. Logan Magnusson also got some garbage minutes in there (and they looked like garbage, if you ask me). All are pretty decent players with varied strengths, but they are not nearly as well-rounded or potentially impactful as Cummard was his final two seasons. Or his first two seasons for that matter.
2) The new guys certainly have confidence. Brandon Davies had a monstrous dunk in the first half. He showed the ability to use his post moves to get good shots. However, he could not make them. Tyler Haws showed quickness and good defensive capabilities. He has a quick release, but it looked a little too quick as his shooting percentage left a lot to be desired. Magnusson logged some minutes: I hope he doesn't do that too much more... All of the new guys shot early in their appearances: some learned and held off pulling the trigger so fast, others didn't. I was impressed with all 3 of them on the defensive side of the ball. Brock Zylstra didn't play enough to get a feel for his abilities. Of course, maybe that was by design...
3) The boxing out needs to be improved as they play bigger, tougher, faster, stronger teams. The BYU players were getting pushed pretty deep under the basket as they tried to box out. Part of that is getting in game shape, which they aren't in yet. Which brings me to the next struggle:
4) Free throw shooting stunk up the place. 55%? Not good enough. And it wasn't like the big men shot most of the free throws. It was the guards that were missing the bulk. Get some legs fast.
5) The inside presence on offense is a concern. Davies has decent size/bulk and good moves, but not a good shot. James Anderson has height and a good shot, but not good moves to get open. Chris Miles: no moves, no shot, but he is really big. Davies was a black hole: once the ball went in, it wasn't coming back out. If teams know they can just focus on perimeter defense, it gets easier to shut BYU down. They need more here. Even getting Jonathan Tavernari to post up occasionally will open up the outside somewhat.
6) Jonathan Tavernari still hasn't improved his shot selection. On fast breaks he runs to the corner three area, even if he has the ball. In the offense, if he gets it with his feet anywhere near good shooting position: it's going up. When he's hot, BYU fans will love it. The rest of the time, they'll just hope it doesn't cost them the game.
7) There is some speed on the team (at least at the 1 and 2). Jackson Emery looked light on his feet. Michael Loyd and Lamont Morgan Jr were just plain fast. Jimmer Fredette's dribbling skills make him look fast. He certainly will lead the team in "ankle-breakers" again this season.

Catch BYU on Tuesday in their second exhibition game hosting Central Washington at 7pm MT, available on BYUTV. The audio should be streamable on KSL.com as well.