Busting Brackets
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BYU Basketball: 3 biggest offseason storylines for Cougars in 2020

By Tristan Freeman

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: The BYU Cougars bench celebrates during the second half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: The BYU Cougars bench celebrates during the second half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 27: TJ Haws #30 of the BYU Cougars gets five from teammate Alex Barcello #4 (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 27: TJ Haws #30 of the BYU Cougars gets five from teammate Alex Barcello #4 (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

2. Will Barcello and Averette be good enough on the perimeter?

While the absence of Childs will be what’s talked about the most, losing four-year point guard starter TJ Haws will be just as difficult to replace. The 14.3 ppg and 4.5 apg career performer is the program’s all-time leader in starts and has been the heart of the Cougars in recent years.

The wasn’t a clear replacement for Haws on the roster for most of the offseason. Off-guard Alex Barcello (9.3 ppg and 1.8 apg) is coming back for his senior season but isn’t a true facilitator of the offense. It’s unknown what former Gonzaga guard Jesse Wade will give after missing an entire year due to knee issues.

After missing out on several grad transfer point guards, Coach Pope was able to find a familiar face in Utah Valley guard Brandon Averette. The former Ok State player put up 12.8 ppg and 3.0 apg, good for second on the team.

In today’s world of utilizing “combo guards” both Averette and Barcello can share the lead ball-handling duties, with one taking over while the other is on the bench. With BYU having more depth on the frontcourt and capable wing contributors, neither has to put up Haws-like numbers for the team to be successful. But they’ll need to shoot the ball well, trying to keep up with the No. 1 ranked 42% three-point shooting a season ago.