As the NCAA Tournament approaches, anticipation builds for the BYU Cougars as they prepare to face the VCU Rams in the first round on March 20, 2025, at 2:05 PM MDT in Denver. This year's matchup presents both an opportunity for redemption and a chance to capitalize on the team’s recent strengths and experiences.
The Cougars, a No. 6 seed, enter the tournament with confidence after finishing strong in the Big 12, particularly noted for leading the conference with an impressive total of 353 three-point shots made. This prowess from beyond the arc has become a cornerstone of their offensive strategy. According to former BYU coach Steve Cleveland, this emphasis on the three-point shot could be a game changer. "If BYU comes out and knocks down two or three of them early in that game, there is no question in my mind that with the mojo going, they are going to be on their way to the second round," Cleveland said.
Reflecting on past tournament experiences is crucial as BYU prepares for this new challenge. Cleveland, who has a wealth of knowledge around tournament play, recalls bittersweet memories of his own NCAA experiences. In 2001, Cleveland led the Cougars to a No. 12 seed after winning the Mountain West Conference tournament. However, a fateful decision the night before their first-round game against Cincinnati, where they lost 84-59, taught him valuable lessons. He remembered, "We started going through our stuff and it turned into five-on-five, get after it, get down (full scale practice). It was the worst thing you could ever do, but we were so excited about being there."
The gravity of the NCAA Tournament is undeniable, and with young players on the BYU roster, Cleveland emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm atmosphere. "You need to help these young people get relaxed and not make the moment so big. We learned that," he expressed, stressing that the emotional preparedness can significantly affect performance. Cleveland's insights reveal how crucial it is for coaches to manage not just the strategies but also the mental state of their players during high-pressure situations.
This year, incoming head coach Kevin Young is stepping into this intense environment with his team behind him. Cleveland remarked on Young’s ability to connect with his players, especially noting how he supports them, saying, "He has a great feel for people, especially players who aren’t playing well." With veterans like Dallin Hall, who has been pivotal during pressure moments, Young has a strategy that goes beyond just technical skills; it encompasses building confidence within the team.
Further building the Cougars' strength is First Team All-Big 12 performer Richie Saunders, whose growth has been notable. Cleveland noted of Saunders, "He has carried this team. He is the reason they are where they are. I’ve watched him play and develop. He has so much confidence." The collaboration among seasoned players and up-and-comers is expected to form a powerful unit against VCU.
Notably, Cleveland’s reflections on the past help to shape the narrative for this year's tournament journey. Comparing historical experiences with contemporary strategies, he emphasized the continuous learning that comes with coaching in the tournament. In previous matches, BYU faced notable challenges against teams like UConn and Syracuse, but Cleveland felt the team was ultimately better prepared as a result of those experiences. He said, "Despite the fact that we played UConn and Syracuse in games that came right down to the last 30 seconds in losses, I felt we were way more prepared, and I felt better about what we did."
As BYU steps onto the court for their matchup with the VCU Rams, they carry with them not just skills but the stories and lessons of their past. Young's debut as BYU's head coach in the NCAA Tournament is a moment Cleveland believes will be pivotal. “He’s going to have an experience in a couple of days that is different from anything he has ever experienced before,” he said, underscoring the unique pressures that come with this stage of college basketball.
Looking ahead, the significance of this game goes beyond a single matchup; it stands as a testament to the program’s resilience and evolution. With the lessons learned from Cleveland's era ringing true today, the Cougars are set to push forward with optimism, backed by a legacy of past trials and triumphs. The outcome of this game against VCU could very well chart a course for the future of BYU basketball—an opportunity laced with both pressure and possibility.
