Alex Barcello Among Observations From BYU Basketball Exhibition Win

PROVO, Utah – The BYU basketball team opened the 2021-2022 season with an exhibition win over Colorado Christian University 63-45.

There was a solid turnout of fans who were welcomed back to the Marriott center without capacity restrictions for the first time since BYU beat Gonzaga back on February 22, 2020.

After a slow start that had BYU leading by five at the break, the Cougars out scored CCU by 13 points in the second half.

#BYU closes out strong in the second half with an 18 point win in the opening game that doesn’t count.

Plenty of work on before the season actually begins next Tuesday against Cleveland State. #GoCougs @kslsports

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2021

Here are my three observations from the first look at the current BYU basketball squad.

1. Alex Barcello leadership

What a luxury it is for head coach Mark Pope to have Barcello back for another season.

He flirted with going pro in the offseason, but decided to return for another year as the 2020 season didn’t count against his eligibility.

Barcello took an charge early in the game. An exhibition game. This guy wants to win even when it doesn’t count.

Alex doing what Alex does.

Two more quick threes ☔️ pic.twitter.com/yrBn6BRLTY

— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) November 5, 2021

Later in the first half, Alex Barcello drilled a corner three point shot followed by a transition three pointer to give the Cougars the lead heading into the break.

Both shots were in the flow of the offense. He’s great at choosing his spots when to be aggressive, and when to get his teammates involved.

His sharp three point skills were on display as well in the opener. He made four of his six attempts from downtown.

In my opinion, he’s a lock to be a first team WCC player this year.

2. Fousseyni Traore monster block

The early injury to Richard Harward allowed more playing time for Gavin Baxter, Atiki Ally Atiki, and Fousseyni “Fouss” Traore.

Traore played high school basketball at Wasatch Academy, the same high school that Caleb Lohner played at before joining BYU basketball.

He played 17 minutes scoring three points and pulling down six rebounds.

The signature play of the game from him was a huge block in the first half.

Fouss Traore just had a MONSTER rejection at the rim! Whoa!

This dude is going to be a baller for #BYU hoops. #GoCougs

Photo📸: @BYUphoto pic.twitter.com/WcWbFWPqmJ

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) November 5, 2021

There’s no doubt that he will be a contributor this season for coach Pope. He’s a legitimate low post threat on both sides of the floor.

3. BYU Basketball Fans back in the Marriott Center

I can’t begin to describe how nice it was to have fans back in the Marriott Center watching BYU basketball.

BYU fans were loud and the turnout for an exhibition game was really impressive.

This place is going to be a force in college basketball when they join the Big 12 conference in two years.

There were multiple timeouts called to slow down momentum generated from the crowd.

Good to see you again @byuROC #BYUhoops x #StudentSectionSauce pic.twitter.com/EGWR4249Y4

— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) November 5, 2021

My only gripe from the opening night of BYU basketball was the missing Cougar marching band.

Concession lines were insanely long as well.

Normally, I hate the thought of waiting for hot dogs and popcorn. For one night, however, it was a beautiful thing to see.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.