DENVER – The anticipation is building as fans prepare for an exciting NCAA Tournament experience, with BYU basketball set to captivate local audiences. The sixth-seeded Cougars will have an open practice on Wednesday, March 19, at the Ball Arena in Denver, allowing fans to witness their favorite team ahead of their first-round game against VCU.
The open practice will offer a glimpse into the preparations of the BYU Cougars, as they practice from 1:15 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. (MDT). Fans can join in from 10 a.m. when the doors to the Arena open, witnessing all participating teams as each gets its turn on the court before the tournament kicks off.
BYU's upcoming match is particularly crucial as the team seeks its first NCAA Tournament victory in the Round of 64 in 14 years. After falling short in the first round for four consecutive tournaments, the Cougars are determined to break this streak. With VCU being their opponent, the excitement escalates, as BYU is regarded as a slight favorite over the Rams.
“We obviously wanted Denver, just because it’s a little closer to home,” said BYU guard Trevin Knell, expressing the team's eagerness for support from local Cougar fans. “We think, with Denver being pretty close, that we’re going to have a really good show with the crowd.”
The path to the tournament has been worthwhile for the Cougars, marking their third straight year as a No. 6 seed. The journey back into the NCAA spotlight has fans buzzing with hope for a successful outcome, especially given their last tournament win was in Denver.
Jimmer Fredette, a former BYU star and NCAA National Player of the Year, has also shared his thoughts as March Madness approaches. Fredette, who guided the Cougars to the Sweet 16 in 2011, recently released his NCAA tournament bracket on social media, highlighting his belief in the potential success of the current BYU team.
In his bracket, Fredette predicts that BYU will advance to the second weekend before falling against the No. 2 seed Alabama in the Sweet 16 round. He expresses confidence in the top eight seeds and anticipates their successful run into the Elite 8, predicting the Duke Blue Devils to clinch a national title.
“If Fredette’s Final Four prediction of Auburn, Florida, Duke, and Houston comes true, it would be the second time in tournament history that all four No. 1 advanced to the final weekend,” reported NCAA March Madness. This prediction showcases a deep understanding of the tournament's dynamics, as Fredette outlines the competitive landscape.
Fredette's history with BYU is rich; during his time at the university from 2007 to 2011, he averaged 18.7 points per game and played a pivotal role in leading the Cougars to an advantageous seed in the NCAA Tournament.
As things heat up in Denver, basketball fans will be on the lookout for how the tournament unfolds. BYU's game against VCU will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, and will be broadcast on TNT and KSL NewsRadio.
With fans eager to support their hometown team, BYU's open practice offers a perfect opportunity to rally support as the Cougars aim to prove Fredette's predictions and their own mettle on the national stage.
“It’s going to be a big game for us,” said Knell, as the team gears up for their final drills before the fight for tournament glory. With steadfast support from fans rallying behind them, the future looks bright for the Cougars as they embark on this tumultuous yet exhilarating journey.
For fans and players alike, the excitement surrounding March Madness propels them into a unique moment of camaraderie, as they support their university in the ever-familiar arena that has witnessed past victories. The upcoming tournament games may foster unforgettable experiences etched in the history of BYU basketball for years to come.
