PROVO, Utah – BYU men's basketball celebrated the 2012-13 season at its annual awards banquet Tuesday night at the Provo Marriott.
In 2012-13, the Cougars finished 24-12 overall and 10-6 in the West Coast Conference. The 24-wins extend a program record streak of eight-consecutive seasons with at least 20 victories. BYU received a bid to the National Invitational Tournament and won three-straight games to advance to the semifinals in Madison Square Garden.
“That was as fun and exciting a postseason run that I’ve been associated with,” BYU coach Dave Rose said. “That includes playing in the Final Four and for the national championship when I played at Houston. The experience of postseason basketball on your home court is so exciting. Our guys played their best basketball of the year.”
“One thing that I’ll always remember about this team is that they had so many chances to come apart and to blame themselves, blame each other, blame our staff but it was totally the opposite. We came together. We knew we were better and we proved it. It was as fun a postseason experience as I’ve had.”
“Thanks for your determination. Thanks for your dedication. Thanks for your sacrifice. I love being part of a team. I can forever say that I love this group of guys. We had a lot of challenges, individually and as a group, but our guys supported each other. Probably the best way I can describe this team is that they love each other.”
The Cougars have now advanced to the postseason in all eight seasons under Rose and won a postseason game in four-straight seasons. Both streaks are program records.
Other highlights in 2012-13 included Rose winning his 200th game as a Division I head coach, Haws setting numerous sophomore scoring records, Davies and Haws earning All-WCC honors and Davies concluding a decorated career among BYU’s all-time leaders in several statistical categories.
Rose recognized and expressed gratitude to all those who made the 2012-13 season a success, including the players, coaches, coaches' and players' wives, family members, doctors, trainers, managers, academic advisors and the many others who support the program.
“The banquet is a great part of the tradition of our program the last few years,” Rose said. “We celebrate the successes of our team and remember the journey we’ve been through. Maybe even more important is to thank all those who support our program. There’s no way we could accomplish what we do without your support.”
KSL Newradio’s Greg Wrubell — the voice of the Cougars — served as master of ceremonies and listed the numerous highlights, awards and milestones achieved by the 2012-13 team.
Rose presented the team awards, including framed jerseys for the seniors, Craig Cusick, Brandon Davies and Brock Zylstra.
The following team awards were presented to members of the 2012-13 team.
2012-13 BYU Men's Basketball Team Awards
Most Improved: Josh Sharp
Sixth Man: Nate Austin
Cougar Playmaker: Matt Carlino
Coaches Award: Craig Cusick
Best Conditioned Perimeter Player: Tyler Haws
Best Conditioned Post Player: Brandon Davies
Competitive Spirit: Brock Zylstra
Co-Outstanding Player: Brandon Davies and Tyler Haws
Team Captains: Brandon Davies, Tyler Haws, Brock Zylstra
Senior Quotes
Craig Cusick
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to play here. I just want to thank the coaches for believing in me to be able to help the team in one way or another. I obviously have to give a special thanks to my teammates. I can’t tell you how much love I have for these guys.”
Brandon Davies
“I want to thank my mom and my sister, my coaches and teammates, the trainers, everyone that’s been involved. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. It’s been a great ride. We’ve all been through a lot together and everyone here is in our family and I consider you family. Thanks for everything.”
Brock Zylstra
“I’ve enjoyed my time here. I can’t express enough the thanks and appreciation I have for everyone involved. This will be the team I’ll probably remember most even though I was on the team that went to the Sweet 16. I felt like this group of guys was the most close-knit that I’ve been a part of.”