Cougar Center

CougarCenter.net is no longer on Tumblr

Sat, 07 May 2011 00:40:38 -0600

Go to CougarCenter.net to see the new website. We enjoyed you Tumblr, it’s been real. We will always hold this site high in our hearts, but it was time to move on up in the world. As Cougar Center continues to go to new heights.

So farewell Tumblr. Again make sure to subscribe to our new site, and it’s still http://cougarcenter.net.

Thanks! Go Cougars!

Jimmer Signs with Octagon to Represent Him in the NBA

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:48:00 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (Twitter: @Mitch_Harper)

“People call me The Jimmer. I’m the best player in College Basketball. I know what you’re asking yourself and the answer is yes. I do have a agency to represent me in the NBA. Its called the Octagon.”

Wouldn’t you love it if Jimmer announced his pairing up with Octagon Sports like that? Anchorman. One of the greatest movies of all-time. It’s science. We still want that sequel.

Anyways, Jimmer’s pairing with Octagon is big news. Many agencies were pursuing Jimmer obviously. Jimmer has a tv show in the works, and the name Jimmer is ingrained in the minds of all Americans everywhere. Let’s face it he Jimmered Osama afterall.

Jimmer will be represented by Octagon’s Jeff Austin and Chris Emens, Yahoo! Sports is reporting. It is not known the financial amount it cost Octagon to sign Jimmer.

The 2011 NBA Draft is on June 23rd. The Draft Lottery is on May 17th. NBADraft.net currently has Jimmer going in the Lottery at #11 to the Golden State Warriors. Would be a good fit for Jimmer and he would be paired with another Octagon-client, Stephen Curry.

Other NBA athletes Octagon represents: Rudy Gay (Grizzlies), Wesley Mathews (Blazers), David West (Hornets), Kirk Hinrich (Hawks).

They also represent former BYU Basketball players Lee Cummard and Jonathan Tavernari who are currently playing overseas.

For more on Octagon and who they represent in the world of sports go to this link.

Subscribe to the Cougar Center Podcast via the iTunes Store. Search “Cougar Center” at the iTunes Store and it will send you directly to the Podcast. Leave a rating or a comment while you’re there

Jake Heaps on the Cover of 2011 Athlon College Football Preview

Mon, 02 May 2011 14:31:00 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (Twitter: @Mitch_Harper)

Do you realize we are in the month of May? So in roughly one month we will be seeing College Football Preview magazines gracing newsstands nationwide.

BYU Quarterback Jake Heaps will be gracing the Western “National Cover” for the 2011 Athlon College Football Preview. Pretty cool honor for only being a Sophomore, and the guys he is on the cover with include two Heisman candidates for the 2011 season in Andrew Luck from Stanford and Kellen Moore from Boise State.

The issue is slated to be out on May 31st.

Former BYU QB, John Beck Getting Another Opportunity in the NFL

Mon, 02 May 2011 08:30:05 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (Twitter: @Mitch_Harper)

Since the Washington Redskins won their last Super Bowl, Super Bowl XXVI in the 1991 season, the ‘Skins have only made three Playoff appearances since. A lot of that has had to do with the lack of stability at Quarterback. From Heath Shuler to Gus Frerotte to Patrick Ramsey and to Donovan McNabb, the Skins have had no consistent production from QBs the past two decades.

With Donovan McNabb looking more and more likely to be out of Washington, Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan is turning his attention to a familiar name to many BYU fans, John Beck.

Beck, who was a 2nd Round Draft Choice to the Miami Dolphins in the 2007 Draft has had limited opportunities in the NFL. When drafted by the Dolphins, Cam Cameron was the coach. Beck started four games for the Phins that ‘07 season, which was the worst the season in Dolphins history going 1-15. And after only one season, Cam Cameron was fired.

Bill Parcells came into Miami and cleaned house, Beck was an odd man out in Miami. Beck surfaced in Baltimore where Cam Cameron was the Offensive Coordinator in 2009. Only problem was that the Ravens had young Quarterback Joe Flacco who was coming off a AFC Championship Game run. Beck never saw time in Baltimore. In 2010, the Ravens dealt Beck to the Redskins.

Beck didn’t see much time last season. The Skins let McNabb and Rex Grossman try and put something together, but nothing happened between the two mediocre players, and the Redskins finished a mediore 6-10. Far below expectations in Shanahan’s first season as the coach.

This past weekend was the NFL Draft, and as usual coaches were addressing the media, recapping their teams Draft’s. Shanahan received critics for not taking a Quarterback in the Draft. He tried to silence those critics by saying he was very high on John Beck. That was one of the reasons why they traded for him last season. Shanahan went on to say that he had John Beck as his #1 QB in the Draft of 2007, and “it wasn’t even close.” He went on to say. Shanahan at the time was the coach of the Denver Broncos.

Beck has the talent and the passion for football. Would be great to see Beck have an opportunity to lead the Redskins. The ‘Skins fan base seems to be up in arms about the move, demanding the team sign someone in the Free Agency period when the NFL Lockout ends. Fact is though, John Beck could be a fantastic QB for the Skins if given a chance.

One Redskins fan on Twitter, @Based_Bro is sold on Beck as his QB for the Skins. Posting this photo.

It has to be that majestic mullet Beck has been sporting for the past year. Our former Cougars leave Provo and they love the beards or the mullets. A thing of absolute beauty.

*****

Another former BYU QB, Max Hall of the Arizona Cardinals saw his team pick no QBs as well during the NFL Draft.

Now the Cardinals are very likely to sign or make a trade for a QB when the Lockout ends, as Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt hasn’t given any vote of confidence to either Max Hall or John Skelton. But Free Agency and Trades are no guarantees to have something pan out.

Will be an interesting NFL season for former BYU Quarterbacks. That is of course, if there’s a NFL season at all.

NFL Draft: No BYU Players Taken, First Time Since '94; Greatest Hits Tour Taken in Top 40

Mon, 02 May 2011 02:39:00 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (Twitter: @Mitch_Harper)

We all knew it was going to be a reach for either BYU’s Vic So’oto (DE) or Brian Logan (CB) to hear their names called during the 3-Day event known as the NFL Draft. Logan and So’oto didn’t hear their names called. This was the first NFL Draft since 1994 where BYU didn’t have a player drafted by a NFL squad.

With the NFL Lockout back in place, So’oto and Logan are not able to sign Undrafted Free Agent contracts with any teams. No franchise can sign anyone at this point, until the lockout is lifted.

So’oto and Logan have some options however. They can pursue a career in the UFL, which has seen some of their players get picked up into the NFL. There is also a strong possibility in Brian Logan’s case that he comes back as a Graduate Assistant. Logan who came to BYU as a JC transfer from Foothill College, left BYU with a degree and a passion for what the program did for him. Coach Mendenhall has stated in the past that Logan is welcome back in the program at anytime.

*****

Don’t expect that BYU will become a fixture of not producing players into the Draft. It was due to having a very young team last year and Matt Reynolds who was a potential 1st Round pick decided to come back for his Senior season.

Reynolds was projected by Pro Football Weekly as a 1st Round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Players like Jordan Pendleton, Braden Hansen, Braden Brown, Uona Kaveinga, and Jake Heaps have Sundays in their future in the coming years. There is a ton of NFL-talent in this program going forward.

*****

After the first three weeks of last season where BYU started out 1-2 heading into a matchup with Nevada led by Colin Kaepernick, Coach Mendenhall referred to BYU’s opposing Quarterbacks as “The Greatest Hits”. Apparently NFL executives felt the same way as Bronco. Four of the Quarterbacks BYU faced in their Greatest Hits Tour was taken in the Top 40.

- Jake Locker, Washington; Round 1 (8) Tennessee

- Christian Ponder, Florida State; Round 1 (12) Minnesota

- Andy Dalton, TCU; Round 2 (35) Cincinnati

- Colin Kaepernick, Nevada; Round 2 (36) San Francisco

Pretty impressive. Especially when you consider three of those guys were non-conference foes. Even the fourth non-conference Quarterback BYU faced last season in Diondre Borel from Utah State was no slouch. Just ask Jamie Hill.

Who has the best NFL career out of the four? Always have had a great feeling about Kaepernick. The only player in NCAA history to pass for 10,000+ career yards and rush for 4,000+ yards. Possibly a upgrade at QB over a former #1 pick from a Pac-12 school? Newly hired 49ers Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh seems to think so.

Including the Quarterbacks a total of nine players from the four non-conference teams BYU faced last year were drafted. Then including Dalton, a total of 10 players were drafted from BYU’s old conference the Mountain West. Dalton was the highest draft pick amongst the MWC draftees.

*****

BYU’s 2011 Opponents saw a total of 25 players Drafted. Here’s a breakdown.

- TCU (5)

- Texas (4)

- Hawaii (3)

- Idaho (3)

- Oregon State (3)

- UCF (2)

- Utah (2)

- New Mexico State (1)

- Utah State (1)

- Ole Miss (1)

- Idaho State (0)

*****

One of the more surprising picks of the Draft had to of been in Round 4 at Pick #102 to the Cleveland Browns. Former BYU Basketball player, Jordan Cameron was the Browns pick. Cameron was in the BYU Basketball program for one year during the 2006-2007 season. Cameron redshirted that season. After coming home from his mission he decided to transfer to USC, the same school his sister, Brynn attended and was a talented hoopster for the Lady Trojans. Brynn is currently dating Los Angeles Clipper, Blake Griffin. Jordan went to USC to play football at Tight End.

In Cameron’s career for the Men of Troy he only recorded 16 catches and 1 touchdown. But similar to his sister’s boyfriend, Cameron had rare athleticsm that impressed execs at the combine. Probably giving execs hope they are possibly discovering the next Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez, both players who had basketball backgrounds prior to having successful careers as TEs in football.

Regardless of what the Browns were thinking with Cameron it’s a head-scratcher pick. And even more-so when you consider that former BYU TE who was a All-American and Mackey Award Runner-Up was taken at Pick #114, while Cameron goes at #102? Sometimes I can’t put my finger on the NFL Draft evaluation process.

Cougar Cager Recruiting Update and Notes

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:00:06 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper)

Right now is the “Regular Period” for College Basketball programs to sign student-athletes till May 18th, and these signees can play in the 2011-2012 season.

It was known that BYU was targeting a JUCO forward in Hauns Brereton from Western Nebraska Community College, an LDS guy. Brereton decided to sign with Gib Arnold and the Hawaii Warriors who are heading into the Big West Conference after the 2012 season.

BYU has a scholarship opening since James Anderson announced at The Y. Awards that he would not pursue basketball anymore now that he is graduated. Many have speculated that a JC transfer is the direction Rose and staff will go with the open scholarship but no names have cropped up. With the signing period dwindling Rose might feel there isn’t anyone out there worthy of a scholarship, and was Brereton the only player that BYU viewed was worthy of a D-1 offer?

Which then garners the question does Michael Boswell a former Walk-On out of Oregon who is coming home from a mission get the final scholarship?

Boswell a talented perimeter player that received a honorable mention nod from the McDonald’s All-American selection committee, will be a Redshirt-Freshman this upcoming season.

*****

Coast 2 Coast Recruiting is reporting that BYU is close to offering a 2012 recruit in Guard Calaen Robinson from Tempe, Arizona. Robinson would be a recruit that could sign with BYU in the early signing period this coming November.

Robinson, a lefty 6-3 guard currently doesn’t hold any offers according to Rivals.com. But is receiving interest from hometown schools in Northern Arizona, Arizona State, and Arizona.

This could be a hint as to the direction Rose and the staff are going with the spring recruiting period and beyond. Seems as if Rose is comfortable with current Guard situation heading into next season, and might just recruit for the future.

2011-2012 Guards

Nick Martineau Jr.
Anson Winder Rs-Fr.
Matt Carlino Soph. (Transfer from UCLA; not eligible til Mid-December)
Brock Zylstra Soph.
DaMarcus Harrison Fr.
Stephen Rogers (Could see time at Shooting Guard)

*****

This upcoming summer BYU will be going on a Europe trip. Every five years a basketball program can go on a Europe trip and have organized practices and games under the supervision of the head coach. This year BYU will be going to Greece. But there will be one noticable person absent from the trip, Brandon Davies.

Davies plans on coming back to BYU for next season. Only problem is that he will not be enrolled at BYU and not under scholarship til next Fall. Forcing him to miss the Europe trip.

Bowl Madness in April. BYU to Armed Forces Bowl in 2011

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:24:42 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper)

If you were worried that BYU wouldn’t have a bowl tie-in for the 2011 season, fear no more! BYU is heading to Dallas for the Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl to face a Conference USA opponent. BYU is taking the spot that was originally intended for a Mountain West team in this bowl game. Oh, but BYU will not be missed in the MWC right? Gotcha.

Now if BYU goes to the BCS obviously the Cougars could opt out of this game, but if no BCS, BYU is headed to Texas for the third time of the 2011 season.

When you consider that BYU less than eight months ago announced its intentions to pursue Independence, and the progress the program has made as an Independent is impressive. A national schedule that continues to grow, bowl tie-ins for the first three years in attractive destintations for fans to travel to, and a national TV contract. BYU is doing big things as an Independent, and the best is truly yet to come.

In the 2011 season, BYU will face teams from the SEC, Big XII, Pac-12, Conference USA, WAC, and Mountain West Conferences. And again, this is only Year 1 of Independence.

There has been quality opponents from Conference USA in the Armed Forces Bowl over the years. SMU last year and some of the high-octane Houston Cougar offenses led by Quarterback Case Keenum were in the game, so the potential for a quality matchup is definitely there with this bowl. The bowl is a ESPN owned game, which was a factor in BYU getting this bid.

ESPN and BYU have been in talks about potentially creating their own bowl game starting in 2014, when BYU doesn’t have a bowl tie-in again. In 2012 BYU is slated for San Diego in the Poinsettia Bowl and in 2013 the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco.

There are rumors that BYU and ESPN could have a bowl around Christmas every year in Southern California. Location is unknown, but potentially the Rose Bowl in Pasadena? The new rumored NFL Stadium in Los Angeles? Many possibilities.

What are your thoughts Cougar fans? Do you think BYU should continue to lock-in to bowl games or should they keep their options open at the end of seasons and see if bowl games become open to them? Tweet us your thoughts @Cougar_Center.

Ok, here is the video we discussed on last night’s...

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:45:26 -0600

Ok, here is the video we discussed on last night’s podcast.

Gunnar Legas, The 7th grade Youtube sensation, Comin’ Straight Outta Provo! Hopefully this kid ends up at BYU one day.

Cougar Center Episode 22, 4.26.11 This Week’s Topics -...

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:31:00 -0600

Cougar Center Episode 22, 4.26.11

This Week’s Topics

- Jimmer has now become a reality star, we discuss what’s next for him, including his position in the draft and where “The Jimmer” should end up.

- BYU baseball beat down of New Mexico on and off the field.

- Cougar football will be bowling this upcoming season, but where will they be? We discuss future bowl possibilities.

- We play The Percentage Game! Discussing future Cougar Cagers in the NBA, the 2011-12 Cougar Basketball season, and more!

- 7th grade QB is a YouTube sensation (VIEW VIDEO) and future BYU star?

- As always, a wild picks list, along with the most famous segment in the podcasting world….. the Cougar Center Crush!

If your not at a computer you can listen to the podcast on all cell phones. For iPhone users just go to the iTunes Store. For everyone else, click this link, to stream the C.C. Podcast on your cell phone. So you can listen to Cougar Center wherever you go!

Cougar Center Episode 21, 04.20.2011 This Week’s Topics -...

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:44:00 -0600

Cougar Center Episode 21, 04.20.2011

This Week’s Topics

- Jimmer is now on Twitter

- With the NFL Draft approaching we review BYU’s history with players being taken in the Draft and who has had the best careers.

- BYU Football’s toughest games in 2011. A lot of games stand out on the schedule but who do the C.C. guys think is the toughest game?

- Baseball Mid-Season recap.

- We play the ‘Word Game’ discussing the likes of BYU Football’s Offense, what BYU celebrity we want on Twitter next and more.

- Shoutouts and Crushes of the week!

- All the crazyness that is, Cougar Center

Photos from Jan Jorgensen’s fight.

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:44:00 -0600

Photos from Jan Jorgensen’s fight.

The Janimal Is Ready To Rumble

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:23:37 -0600

By: Brian Mace (Twitter: @beanmace)

This Saturday Former BYU All-American, Jan Jorgensen is set to face off with Jeff Prescott in Jorgensen’s third ever MMA bout. These two giants will square off on the campus of UVU at the UCCU Events Center as part of Showdown Fights: Shootout.

The Janimal has a record of 2-0 going into Saturday’s fight with Prescott. Prescott hails from Shingle Springs, California, the striker weighs in at 235 lbs and stands six foot three inches. Jorgensen will have his hands full with Prescott’s ability to land power punches from all over the cage.

The key to Jan remaining undefeated is to wrestle and impose his will on his opponent. If Jorgensen can dominate the pace of the fight as he dominated on the football field, he will have no issue with Prescott.

Jorgensen will suffer his first ever MMA loss if he gets into a slug-fest with the dangerous Californian. Prescott can, and will throw plenty of strikes at The Janimal. Kicks, punches and knees will be Prescott’s plan of attack come Saturday.

Along with Cougar fan favorite Jorgensen, there are many great fights on this card, including; Local favorite Jordan Smith, UFC veteran Tim McKenzie, and an appearance from UFC poster boy, Uriah Faber.

If you have not purchased your tickets to this great event yet, follow this link http://showdownfights.vbotickets.com/tickets/showdown/1211 and take advantage of a special offer for Cougar Center fans.

Check out the preview for Jan Jorgensen’s upcoming MMA...

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:20:38 -0600

Check out the preview for Jan Jorgensen’s upcoming MMA fight. THIS SATURDAY at UVU!

Cougar Center Podcast Episode #20 04.22.2011 Topics on this...

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:28:23 -0600

Cougar Center Podcast Episode #20 04.22.2011

Topics on this episode:

- Deadspin.com posted an article on BYU’s Honor Code. Saying it has “no Honor”. The Cougar Center crew discusses the article and their thoughts. Bean has some interesting experiences with one of the former football players that blasted the Honor Code.

- 2011 Blue & White Spring Game recap. Who impressed us the most in the game? And what should people be stoked about going into the Fall?

- Taysom Hill is transferring from Stanford to BYU. Are more transfers on the way?

- Basketball news. Spring Signing Period is underway. Does Rose sign a JUCO? Also, James Anderson leaves the team.

- Baseball update.

- NBA Playoffs picks.

- Jan Jorgensen MMA Fight this Saturday at UVU.

- A special new remix at the end of the show. And a guest appearance from Greg Wrubell.

Dave Rice to UNLV. Where does Rose go with Staff?

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:39:00 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (Twitter: @Mitch_Harper)

Dave Rice served as an assistant on Dave Rose’s staff for the past six seasons, and was the mastermind of BYU’s Offensive sets the past three seasons. The fans at UNLV should be thrilled about getting Rice as their Head Coach. He will take the Rebs to heights they haven’t seen since a guy named Tark was their head coach, chomping down on those white towels. Congrats to Coach Rice.

So where does Coach Rose go to fill the vacancy left by Rice? If recent history is any indicator, then one would believe that coach Terry Nashif or Tim LaComb would be promoted from their current position to Assistant Head Coach where Rice was. Then Mike Hall the current Director of Basketball Operations would move up to fill the spot of either Nashif or LaComb. It worked in previous years when replacing Walter Roese (San Diego) and John Wardenburg (BYU-Hawaii) but replacing Rice, BYU should look elsewhere to hire.

Possibly former BYU assistant and most recently the head coach at the University of Wyoming, Heath Schroyer? Schroyer brings strong ties to Junior College scene and solid recruiting ties in the west coast. A defensive mastermind, and passionate coach.

Other names to watch for Lone Peak High School’s Quincy Lewis, former BYU point guard and current NBDL Head Coach Austin Ainge. Ainge has been an assistant down at Southern Utah and has worked with the Boston Celtics as a scout for the franchise. Also keep an eye on former Utah player and current assistant at Saint Louis Alex Jensen.

BYU Football: Spring Game 2011 Recap

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:59:14 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (Twitter: @Mitch_Harper)

5,500 loyal, strong, and true BYU fans braved the snowy conditions this past Saturday to get their first taste of BYU Football as an Independent program. For those that did brave the conditions, it was a great day. Everyone who left LaVell Edwards Stadium came away happy and excited about the 2011 season and beyond.

Here’s a few things that stood out from Saturday’s exciting Blue & White Game.

- Exciting Finish

The game went into Overtime after the Blue and White squads were tied at after regulation. Jake Heaps led the blue team to a touchdown on their first possession in the extra session. Then Riley Nelson’s White squad converted on 4th down to get a crucial 1st down keeping their possession alive. Next play a touchdown, putting the White squad down by 1. They wanted the win. Nelson to Bryan Sampson in the back of the endzone for the win. The white squad rushed the field and dog piled on Sampson like it was Andrew George vs. Utah in 2009 all over again. Great finish.

Sampson a Redshirt Freshman out of Pleasant Grove will now go on a mission this Summer on that note. Great parting shot.

- Defensive Tackles

Romney Fuga and Jordan Richardson are still recovering from ACL injuries that they suffered last season. No worries though. 18 year-old Travis Tuiloma and USC transfer Hebron Fangupo will fill in quite nicely this season if Fuga and Richardson never return to full health this season.

Tuiloma was working with the 1s and played like a seasoned vet. His build is not your typical 18 year old either. Fangupo was as good as advertised. Can’t imagine many opposing Running Backs are going to be able to get the second tier of this defense with these beasts clogging up the middle in 2011.

- Secondary is young but very talented

Preston Hadley and Daniel Sorensen are going to be stars on BYU’s Defense this year and beyond. Hadley is a taller version of Brian Logan. At 6’0 200, Hadley was a physical Corner who is likely going to be starting when the Cougars play Ole Miss on September 3rd.

Sorensen who converted from Linebacker to his original position of Safety this Spring is wowing everyone with his big hits, and reminding people of another hard hitter in Andrew Rich.

Mike Hague, Robbie Buckner, Travis Uale all looked solid. Then add in Corby Eason who comes back from an ankle injury in the summer and this Secondary could be a strength once the season starts.

- Talented Quarterbacks

Don’t kid yourselves people. This is Jake Heaps job. There is no QB controversy, it’s Heaps’ team. But Riley Nelson has clearly improved this off-season and did a nice job in Spring. Would love to see this coaching staff utilize Riley in Blue Zone situations and possible 4th down attempts. Could be very potent.

Heaps though was impressive. He has mastered the short pass and is putting better touch on the ball this year. Seems much more confident this year as well. This guy never disappoints when you watch him perform.

- Excitement

I’ve been to my fair share of BYU Blue & White Spring Games and never once have I seen so much excitement in the game. This program is just thrilled about the new possibilities and it’s very obvious to see.

- Depth

The past few seasons BYU hasn’t been able to put on a full Spring game due to a lack of numbers. Not this season. There is depth in bunches. Many players (mostly starters) were sitting out in the game but there was still a plethora of talent to watch out on the field. As BYU goes into this new world of Independence it’s vital to have depth and the Cougars are clearly building that. To the likes of which this program has never seen before.

*****

Miscellaneous

O’Neill Chambers was at the Spring Game wearing street clothes. Chambers of course is not eligible to participate with the team until January 2012. When at that time he most likely will play at Safety rather than Wide Receiver…..Field conditions looked solid for a snowy day in early April. None of the turf was coming up. No signs of a new field design however yet…..No major injuries occured during the scrimmage. Graham Rowley had a sprained MCL. Ross Apo had a scary incident nearly doing the splits running a fly route, but walked it off…..After the exciting scrimmage concluded, Bronco gathered the team at mid-field to greet a “Thursday’s Hero” onto the field and cheer him on. Very cool moment.

144 Days ‘Til Ole Miss!

Photo

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:10:49 -0600

Cougar Center Podcast Episode #19 04.06.2011 Topics on this...

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:47:00 -0600

Cougar Center Podcast Episode #19 04.06.2011

Topics on this Episode:

- Dave Rose signs a 5-year contract to stay with BYU Basketball. We discuss if this is the big step towards making Coach Rose a BYU lifer.

- Dave Rice to UNLV?

- Jimmer wins the Naismith and what that means.

- Jan Jorgensen host of 1280’s “Red & Blue Show” and All-American Defensive End at BYU, he comes on to the show to talk Spring Football and discuss his upcoming MMA fight.

- Blue & White Scrimmage this weekend. Give you some stuff to watch and tell you to attend the Post-Game Afterparty!

- Tanner Mangum a 2012 Quarterback recruit from Idaho commits to the Cougs. The C.C. guys talk 2012 recruiting.

- Baseball Update. How’s Ryan Bernal doing?

- Weekly picks. The Masters is on deck.

- Cougar Center Crushes of the Week and Shout-Outs. Is Mitch in love??

- UStream Audience was witnessing this episode so it’s a different element to this show.

******

Dave Rose Signs Contract through 2015-2016

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:41:00 -0600

By: Mitch Harper (Twitter: @Mitch_Harper)

Quit the speculation people. Dave Rose, “our coach” is coming back next season and will be the man leading this program til at least the 2015-2016 season.

Coach Rose signed a new contract today keeping him as BYU’s Head Coach. Rose had programs like Oklahoma, North Carolina State, and Utah coming after him. Rumors of other programs were pursuing Rose as well, but Rose will be back in Provo.

There was never any doubt that he was going to come back. He is loyal to this program, and wants to fulfill the promises he has sent to recruits and other people involved with the program to be carried out. And at the end of the day, the programs that were coming after him were not better jobs than what BYU has to offer.

BYU and the Athletic Department though had to give a new commitment to BYU Basketball that has never been seen before. BYU Basketball is one of the premiere programs out West now, it’s time to act like one. Rose needed a commitment and he is receiving it.

With BYU being a private institution financial terms of Rose’s contract are not disclosed. But as President Cecil O. Samuelson put it, “We believe he’s the finest coach at any level, (so) whatever he is paid, he’ll be underpaid, economically.”

*****

BYU Assistant Head Coach Dave Rice is still a leading candidate for the job at his alma mater, UNLV. Along with Rice other candidates for the UNLV job include, Reggie Theus a former Reb from the late 70s of the Tarkanian era, Mike Dunlap a current assistant at St. John’s, and Ernie Kent former coach at Oregon.

Rice and Theus though look to be the leading cadidates to get the job. And if the Rebs offer Rice, one can only expect that Rice would take it. Deservingly so. He’s one of the top assistants in the game right now.

If Rice does get a Head Coaching gig look for Tim LaComb to take over as Rose’s top assistant. Then filling in for LaComb will be Mike Hall the current Director of Basketball Operations. Rose has promoted his Director of Basketball Operations every time a coach on the staff leaves. LaComb and Nashif were all promoted from the Director of Basketball Operations spot.

Cougar Center ticket offer to Jan Jorgensen's fight!

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:20:42 -0600

Cougar Center ticket offer to Jan Jorgensen's fight!:

As you have heard, former BYU standout Jan “The Janimal” Jorgensen has a big MMA fight coming up on April 16th on the campus of UVU. Cougar Center has secured a special offer for our fans, just click the link above the photo and come out to support Jan!