Witness Hoops History: The Rise of BYU Cougars Men's Basketball

The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has a rich and storied history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as a small college team to its current status as a powerhouse in the NCAA, the Cougars have seen it all. In this article, we will take a journey through the history of BYU Cougars men's basketball, highlighting the key moments, players, and coaches that have made the program what it is today.

The Early Years (1920s-1950s)

The BYU Cougars men's basketball team was first established in the 1920s, with the first game played in 1921. The team was initially composed of players from the university's boarding schools, who were not allowed to participate in varsity sports. However, as the program grew in popularity, more players were added, and the team began to compete in the University Athletic Association (UAA).

Some notable early players and coaches of the BYU Cougars men's basketball team include:

• Herb Kimball, who played for the team from 1921 to 1924 and later became a legendary coach in his own right
• Bill Walker, who played for the team in the 1930s and went on to play professionally
• Joe Hardy, who played for the team in the 1940s and later became a coach and assistant coach

The Golden Era (1960s-1970s)

The 1960s and 1970s are often referred to as the "Golden Era" of BYU Cougars men's basketball. During this time, the team experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in large part to the efforts of coach Arnold Jackson.

Some notable achievements of the BYU Cougars men's basketball team during this era include:

• 1969 NCAA Tournament appearance
• 1970 WAC Tournament championship
• 1971 WAC regular season championship
• 1972 WAC Tournament appearance

Players from this era who went on to have successful careers include:

• Jim Enoch, who played for the team from 1968 to 1971 and went on to play professionally
• Danny Castro, who played for the team from 1968 to 1971 and later became a coach
• Ed Jones, who played for the team from 1969 to 1972 and went on to play professionally

The Modern Era (1980s-1990s)

The 1980s and 1990s saw significant changes in the BYU Cougars men's basketball program. The team began to compete at a higher level, both nationally and internationally, thanks in part to the efforts of coach Ed English.

Some notable achievements of the BYU Cougars men's basketball team during this era include:

• 1989 NCAA Tournament appearance
• 1990 WAC Tournament championship
• 1991 WAC regular season championship
• 1992 WAC Tournament appearance

Players from this era who went on to have successful careers include:

• Rex Kwaak, who played for the team from 1987 to 1990 and went on to play professionally
• Danny Farrell, who played for the team from 1988 to 1991 and later became a coach
• Jonnie West, who played for the team from 1990 to 1993 and went on to play professionally

The Marquee Era (2000s-present)

The 2000s saw a resurgence in popularity for the BYU Cougars men's basketball team, thanks in large part to the efforts of coach Dave Rose.

Some notable achievements of the BYU Cougars men's basketball team during this era include:

• 2007 NCAA Tournament appearance
• 2008 WCC Tournament championship
• 2009 WCC regular season championship
• 2010 WCC Tournament appearance

Players from this era who went on to have successful careers include:

• TJ Harris, who played for the team from 2006 to 2009 and went on to play professionally
• Nick Emery, who played for the team from 2008 to 2011 and went on to play professionally
• Kyle Lamb, who played for the team from 2007 to 2010 and went on to play professionally

Current State of the Program

Today, the BYU Cougars men's basketball team continues to thrive, both on and off the court. The team has experienced significant success in recent years, including:

• 2013 NCAA Tournament appearance
• 2014 WCC Tournament championship
• 2015 WCC regular season championship
• 2016 WCC Tournament appearance

Players from the current team who have gone on to have successful careers include:

• TJ Harris, who has gone on to play professionally and is currently a NBA player
• Kyle Lamb, who has gone on to play professionally and is currently a NBA player
• Alex Barcello, who has gone on to play professionally and is currently a NBA player

Notable Coaches

The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has had several notable coaches throughout its history. Some of the most notable include:

• Herb Kimball
• Arnold Jackson
• Ed English
• Dave Rose

Notable Players

The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has produced several notable players throughout its history. Some of the most notable include:

• Herb Kimball
• Bill Walker
• Joe Hardy
• Jim Enoch
• Danny Castro
• Ed Jones
• Rex Kwaak
• Danny Farrell
• Jonnie West
• TJ Harris
• Nick Emery
• Kyle Lamb
• Alex Barcello

Awards and Recognition

The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has received several awards and recognitions throughout its history