2009-10 Opponent Preview: Tulsa

As the 2009-10 season men’s basketball season approaches, BYUCougars.com continues to preview each of the Cougars’ opponents. Today’s preview-Tulsa

Game Preview

Depending on how the Las Vegas Classic turns out, BYU will either face Tulsa or Nebraska in Orleans Arena. The Cougars defeated Tulsa, 74-68 on the road just a year ago. Both teams return four starters from that game.

Season Outlook

The Golden Hurricane are ranked 21st in the country by ESPN.com’s Andy Katz and 25th by The Sporting News. Senior guard Ben Uzoh and senior center Jerome Jordan are two of the best players to ever play at Tulsa, as both players continue to climb the Hurricane record books.

Tulsa has played in two straight C-USA Tournament Championship games, losing to top-ranked Memphis each time. Three straight 20-win seasons have meant postseason berths for Tulsa, which won the inaugural CBI Championship in 2008 and advanced to the second round of the NIT in 2009. Coach Doug Wojcik now has his best chance to lead the Golden Hurricane to a conference championship and a run in the NCAA Tournament.

Player to Watch

Jerome Jordan, C, Sr., 7-0, 250

Seven-foot senior Jerome Jordan returns to Tulsa for his final year as an All-American candidate. Jordan averaged 13.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 2.5 bpg in 2008-09 on his way to being named All-Conference USA. The senior needs just 15 blocks to set the school’s all-time record. Last season against BYU, Jordan shot 5-for-10 for 13 points, 14 rebounds and a block in 33 minutes.

Other Key Players

Ben Uzoh, G

Justin Hurtt, G

Bishop Wheatley, F

Game Implications

A possible contest against Tulsa in Las Vegas would likely be BYU’s first game against a Top 25 team. A high-profile win here would be a perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season.

Golden Hurricane at a Glance 

2008-09 Team Stats

Returning Stat Leaders