Season Celebrated at Team Banquet

PROVO -- At the annual BYU Men’s Basketball Awards Banquet the 2008-09 Cougar squad celebrated a season that included a third-straight Mountain West Conference regular season title and a bid to the NCAA tournament for the third-consecutive season.

“This team is a really special group,” BYU men’s basketball coach Dave Rose said. “We faced a lot of challenges this season and expectations were very high. After a slow start in conference play, we got on a run and started to believe. This was indeed a team that achieved great things and overcame some big challenges.”

Rose recognized and expressed gratitude to all those who made the 2008-09 season a success, including the players, coaches, wives, family, doctors, trainers, managers, academic advisors and the many others who support the program.

“There are a lot of people that care about this program and about its success, not only about winning games, but in representing the university and going about everything the right way,” Rose said. “I cannot express how much I appreciate all that everyone does for this program.”

KSL Newradio’s Greg Wrubell — the voice of the Cougars — served as master of ceremonies and listed the numerous highlights and milestones achieved by the 2008-09 team. Among the most notable accomplishments are a fourth-straight 20-win season, a third-straight season with 25 wins, a MWC title and a trip to the NCAA tournament, four players earning all-MWC honors and Rose becoming the MWC’s all-time leader in winning percentage.

KSL television captured the many accomplishments and memories of the year with a video presentation highlighting each player and many of the key moments of the 2008-09 season.

Director of basketball operations Tim LaComb shared his thoughts on the season and praised the team and all of its supporters for the hard work and dedication shown throughout the year. Rose then presented the team awards, including framed jerseys for the seniors — Lee Cummard, Archie Rose and Gavin MacGregor. Cummard reflected on a career in which he became the first Cougar in school history to finish in the top 10 in scoring, assists, blocks and steals.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Cummard said. “I’ve grown a lot as a player, as a husband and a father. This program is about the team and working together to succeed. I’ve tried to be an example of that during my time here.”

The following team awards were presented to the players who added to BYU’s championship tradition during the 2008-09 season.

BYU Men's Basketball Team Awards

Academic Excellence

Michael Boswell

Coaches Award

Charles Abouo

Most Inspirational Player

Jackson Emery

Most Improved Player

Jimmer Fredette

Sixth Man Award

Lamont Morgan, Jr.