Unloading The Notebook From BYU’s Open NCAA Tournament Day In Denver
Mar 19, 2025, 8:59 PM | Updated: 8:59 pm
DENVER – BYU basketball had an open practice and spoke with the media on Wednesday in preparation for their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against the No. 11 seed VCU Rams.
KSL Sports team, featuring myself and KSL 5 TV’s Sam Farnsworth, were on location for the entire day. Here are some quick notes from the busy day in the Mile High City.
BYU Basketball: Notes from open practice day at the NCAA Tournament
- BYU was the fourth team out of eight squads in Denver to go through the press conference, media locker room access, and open practice.
- They were scheduled to begin their press conference at 12:35 p.m. (MDT). BYU didn’t arrive at Ball Arena until 12:37 p.m., so they were slightly behind schedule.
Behind the scenes in Denver with BYU hoops. pic.twitter.com/Hjn7kdYFxF
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 19, 2025
- Right after their arrival, BYU players Trevin Knell, Richie Saunders, and Mawot Mag were at the dais to address the media in the pregame press conference.
- BYU’s locker room was open for one-on-one interviews during the press conference.
I’m sure #BYU would welcome This kind of shooting from Egor Demin tomorrow against VCU here at the #NCAATournament. #BYUHoops @kslsports pic.twitter.com/a5Ys01yT3z
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_TV) March 19, 2025
- Many of the BYU players interviewed on Wednesday pointed to defensive rebounds as a key to victory against VCU. The Rams are 21st nationally in offensive rebounds per game (13.26).
- An unexpected sight was inside BYU’s locker room: a tiny kitchen with sandwiches, fruit, and other foods available to the players.
- BYU freshman forward Kanon Catchings said he was cleared from his injury on Monday and will be available to play against VCU.
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- Catchings participated in the light practice, primarily featuring players putting up three-pointers.
- Big 12 Conference VP of Basketball Brian Thornton was in attendance sporting a BYU lanyard on his credential.
- WCC Commissioner Stu Jackson, a member of the NCAA Selection Committee, was also present at the open practices throughout the day.
- Of the eight teams that practiced on Wednesday, Wisconsin looked to have the most fans in attendance, based on my unofficial guess.
- After BYU’s practice concluded, the players gathered for a photo above the March Madness logo. Then, the coaches joined in for another photo, followed by BYU administrators and their entire travel party.
2024-25 BYU Basketball 🤙 🏀 pic.twitter.com/yMdzPasDZH
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 19, 2025
- The NCAA had an “Authentic Team Store” open during practice for fans to purchase gear and memorabilia. T-shirts and hats were $40, polos were $65, and hoodies were $70. Posters with all 68 logos in this year’s NCAA Tournament were available for $18, and game programs were $20.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
