Latest news with #NBA-caliber
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU four-star center Xavion Staton arrives in Provo
The wait is over in Provo — and the future of BYU basketball just walked through the doors of the Marriott Center. Over the weekend, 7-foot defensive force Xavion Staton, the No. 33-ranked player in the nation according to 247Sports, officially arrived on campus. A cornerstone of Kevin Young's first full recruiting class, Staton's commitment marked a seismic shift in how BYU is perceived in the national recruiting landscape — and now, it's real. A Recruiting Victory That Redefined Expectations Advertisement Staton's arrival is the culmination of a major recruiting win for BYU. With over 30 Division I offers, including Arizona, USC, Michigan, and Kansas, Staton ultimately chose the Cougars over traditional basketball powerhouses. BYU emerged victorious in a final battle against UNLV and Michigan, a sign that Kevin Young's vision — and NBA ties — are resonating. For a program with modest recruiting history, landing a player like Staton signals a new era. Elite Size and Rare Athleticism Standing 6'11' (and listed as tall as 7'1'), Staton is the tallest player on BYU's projected 2025-26 roster. But it's not just his size that separates him. He possesses rare mobility for his frame — a vertical shot-blocker who can switch on defense, finish lobs, and run the floor like a guard. 'Staton brings the kind of athleticism to the frontcourt that BYU has rarely had in its history,' one scout noted. He has the tools to anchor the Cougars' defense from day one. Related: BYU Basketball lands top four-star transfer guard A Duo Built for the Spotlight Advertisement Staton joins his Utah Prep teammate and No. 1 overall prospect AJ Dybantsa in Provo — a pairing that fans could only dream of a year ago. The two bring NBA-caliber talent and chemistry to a program now positioned as a legitimate Final Four contender. With Dybantsa and Staton on campus, BYU basketball isn't just on the rise — it's arriving ahead of schedule. Cougar Nation: It's time to fill the stands. A new chapter has begun in Provo — and Xavion Staton just turned the page. Related: BYU Football adds speedy transfer wide receiver Related: AJ Dybantsa grabs attention as he arrives at BYU
CBS News
29-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Colorado State University's newest head coach remembered for iconic NCAA tournament shot against Kansas Jayhawks
Friday morning, Colorado State University formally welcomed Ali Farokhmanesh as the 21st head men's basketball coach of the CSU Rams. Farokhmanesh, who has served as an assistant on the team for several seasons now, takes over for Niko Medved, who was hired by the University of Minnesota . In the last four seasons, Farokhmanesh and the Rams have made three NCAA March Madness tournaments. The current team attended his celebration on Friday to support the university's decision. "I know the work ethic he has, I know the care he has for his players," said Nique Clifford, the NBA-bound forward for the Rams. Athletic Director John Weber said the university conducted a nationwide search for Medved's replacement but found their man already in Fort Collins. Clifford credited Farokhmanesh for being the key reason on the coaching staff that attracted him to transfer to CSU years ago. "He was the sole recruiter I had," Clifford said. "He was a man of his word. He told me he was going to be in the gym with me every day. He was in the gym with me every single day." Clifford said he was confident in Farokhmanesh's ability to not only continue recruiting to Fort Collins but also to develop more NBA-caliber players. The Rams have seen three players make it to the NBA ranks in recent years, all of whom blossomed after staying more than one season in Fort Collins. Those players include David Roddy and Isaiah Stephenson. "The way he is able to develop his players, I think he is the best in the country," Clifford said. While Farokhmanesh credited his family, friends, players and fellow coaches for helping him land the position, many couldn't help but to also recall his success as a player himself. "I think you go back to the shot he had against Kansas in the NCAA tournament," said Darrin Sersland, a Northern Iowa fan. Sersland, wearing a purple Northern Iowa sweater, was referring to the iconic shot Farokhmanesh sank in the final seconds of a game against #1 seed Kansas more than a decade ago. The shot was the dagger, ending Kansas' dreams of a championship that season. "He is a big part of Northern Iowa history, for sure," Sersland said. Surprising Farokhmanesh on his big day was Ben Jacobson, his former head coach in Iowa. He flew to Colorado to attend the announcement and once again celebrate his old guard's success. Jacobson told CBS News Colorado Farokhmanesh's iconic shot was only a shock to the outside world. "It didn't surprise any of us," Jacobson said. "One of the coolest parts for me was none of his teammates or coaches thought twice about it." Jacobson said he was proud of Farokhmanesh for all he has done on and off the court, and said his sincere heart for those he surrounds himself with is what will make him succeed as the Rams head coach. "He really cares about his family. He really cares about the players he coaches. This will never be about him. That is what will make him a great head coach," Jacobson said.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jimmer Fredette relishes BYU's return to relevance after watching Cougars in March Madness
DENVER (AP) — Among the throng of blue-clad BYU fans who packed Ball Arena to witness the Cougars' narrow escape against Wisconsin was Jimmer Fredette. BYU's last basketball blue-chipper, Fredette sweated it out with the rest of the Cougars fans as they watched Wisconsin scratch and claw and come within another John Tonje basket of sending what had once been a 14-point laugher into overtime Saturday night. Tonje burned BYU for 37 points — the most by any player in this edition of March Madness so far — but his final shot came up short and when Keba Keita corralled the rebound and took off with a mile-high smile, the Cougars were 91-89 winners. 'Yeah, I was nervous,' Fredette told The Associated Press in the jubilant BYU section of first-level seats. 'Look, you watched the game and you're kind of like, 'How did we get to a two-point game here, you know?' 'But look, I think that describes this team. They fight, they're resilient and play with heart and energy. And you're going to win a lot of games doing that.' The Cougars are on their way to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011, when Fredette was jacking up jumpers at the beginning of a basketball journey that would include six seasons in the NBA and an appearance in the Paris Olympics for the United States' 3x3 team. Fredette was in uniform in this very arena the last time the Cougars earned a Sweet 16 berth, with an 89-67 win over Gonzaga 14 years ago. Now, Fredette has another reason to love Ball Arena — which was called Pepsi Center back when he was in college. Fredette couldn't be happier for — or prouder of — his alma mater. 'It's been an incredible, incredible team to follow, to watch,' Fredette said. 'I think I've caught the last four games that they've played this year. And man, I love how this team plays, the energy, the passion.' He loves how coach Kevin Young has brought elements of the NBA with him to Provo, Utah, including NBA-caliber talent. 'I don't know all the X's and O's associated with basketball but I like what Kevin has done. And obviously, I'm closely connected to the program. I've heard nothing but good things about having the players and how they bought into what he brought in,' Fredette said. The last player drafted out of BYU was Fredette, back in 2011. Now, Egor Demon, the 6-foot-9 swingman from Moscow, could be one-and-done, and next year the Cougars will get AJ Dybansta, the nation's top recruit who made a splash this season when he signed an NIL deal with BYU that's reportedly worth between $5 million and $7 million. Fredette smiled as he talked about his school suddenly being the talk of the NCAA Tournament and a desired destination for top talent. 'Yeah, a lot of excitement,' Fredette said. ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press
Fox Sports
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Jimmer Fredette relishes BYU's return to relevance after watching Cougars in March Madness
Associated Press DENVER (AP) — Among the throng of blue-clad BYU fans who packed Ball Arena to witness the Cougars' narrow escape against Wisconsin was Jimmer Fredette. BYU's last basketball blue-chipper, Fredette sweated it out with the rest of the Cougars fans as they watched Wisconsin scratch and claw and come within another John Tonje basket of sending what had once been a 14-point laugher into overtime Saturday night. Tonje burned BYU for 37 points — the most by any player in this edition of March Madness so far — but his final shot came up short and when Keba Keita corralled the rebound and took off with a mile-high smile, the Cougars were 91-89 winners. 'Yeah, I was nervous,' Fredette told The Associated Press in the jubilant BYU section of first-level seats. 'Look, you watched the game and you're kind of like, 'How did we get to a two-point game here, you know?' 'But look, I think that describes this team. They fight, they're resilient and play with heart and energy. And you're going to win a lot of games doing that.' The Cougars are on their way to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011, when Fredette was jacking up jumpers at the beginning of a basketball journey that would include six seasons in the NBA and an appearance in the Paris Olympics for the United States' 3x3 team. Fredette was in uniform in this very arena the last time the Cougars earned a Sweet 16 berth, with an 89-67 win over Gonzaga 14 years ago. Now, Fredette has another reason to love Ball Arena — which was called Pepsi Center back when he was in college. Fredette couldn't be happier for — or prouder of — his alma mater. 'It's been an incredible, incredible team to follow, to watch,' Fredette said. 'I think I've caught the last four games that they've played this year. And man, I love how this team plays, the energy, the passion.' He loves how coach Kevin Young has brought elements of the NBA with him to Provo, Utah, including NBA-caliber talent. 'I don't know all the X's and O's associated with basketball but I like what Kevin has done. And obviously, I'm closely connected to the program. I've heard nothing but good things about having the players and how they bought into what he brought in,' Fredette said. The last player drafted out of BYU was Fredette, back in 2011. Now, Egor Demon, the 6-foot-9 swingman from Moscow, could be one-and-done, and next year the Cougars will get AJ Dybansta, the nation's top recruit who made a splash this season when he signed an NIL deal with BYU that's reportedly worth between $5 million and $7 million. Fredette smiled as he talked about his school suddenly being the talk of the NCAA Tournament and a desired destination for top talent. 'Yeah, a lot of excitement,' Fredette said. ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. recommended in this topic
Associated Press
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Jimmer Fredette relishes BYU's return to relevance after watching Cougars in March Madness
DENVER (AP) — Among the throng of blue-clad BYU fans who packed Ball Arena to witness the Cougars' narrow escape against Wisconsin was Jimmer Fredette. BYU's last basketball blue-chipper, Fredette sweated it out with the rest of the Cougars fans as they watched Wisconsin scratch and claw and come within another John Tonje basket of sending what had once been a 14-point laugher into overtime Saturday night. Tonje burned BYU for 37 points — the most by any player in this edition of March Madness so far — but his final shot came up short and when Keba Keita corralled the rebound and took off with a mile-high smile, the Cougars were 91-89 winners. 'Yeah, I was nervous,' Fredette told The Associated Press in the jubilant BYU section of first-level seats. 'Look, you watched the game and you're kind of like, 'How did we get to a two-point game here, you know?' 'But look, I think that describes this team. They fight, they're resilient and play with heart and energy. And you're going to win a lot of games doing that.' The Cougars are on their way to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011, when Fredette was jacking up jumpers at the beginning of a basketball journey that would include six seasons in the NBA and an appearance in the Paris Olympics for the United States' 3x3 team. Fredette was in uniform in this very arena the last time the Cougars earned a Sweet 16 berth, with an 89-67 win over Gonzaga 14 years ago. Now, Fredette has another reason to love Ball Arena — which was called Pepsi Center back when he was in college. Fredette couldn't be happier for — or prouder of — his alma mater. 'It's been an incredible, incredible team to follow, to watch,' Fredette said. 'I think I've caught the last four games that they've played this year. And man, I love how this team plays, the energy, the passion.' He loves how coach Kevin Young has brought elements of the NBA with him to Provo, Utah, including NBA-caliber talent. 'I don't know all the X's and O's associated with basketball but I like what Kevin has done. And obviously, I'm closely connected to the program. I've heard nothing but good things about having the players and how they bought into what he brought in,' Fredette said. The last player drafted out of BYU was Fredette, back in 2011. Now, Egor Demon, the 6-foot-9 swingman from Moscow, could be one-and-done, and next year the Cougars will get AJ Dybansta, the nation's top recruit who made a splash this season when he signed an NIL deal with BYU that's reportedly worth between $5 million and $7 million. Fredette smiled as he talked about his school suddenly being the talk of the NCAA Tournament and a desired destination for top talent. 'Yeah, a lot of excitement,' Fredette said.
