Nick Emery Returns From Suspension In BYU’s Win Over Utah State

PROVO, Utah – After sitting out the entire 2017-18 season, withdrawing from school and serving a nine-game suspension, Nick Emery returned to the BYU lineup against Utah State.

Emery had to serve the suspension stemming from the violation of NCAA rules after receiving $12,000 in vacations, cash, meals, golf and a car from boosters.

Long Time Away From Basketball

The junior guard from Lone Peak came back from a 630 day absence and scored 11 points off the bench in BYU’s 95-80 win over Utah State at the Marriott Center. Emery played 19 minutes and shot 4-of-6 from the field, including 3-of-4 from downtown.

Nick Emery looks like he never left. Another 3 for the Cougars!#BYUHoops #BYUvsUSU pic.twitter.com/aoc5UH8t9k

— BYUtv Sports (@byutvsports) December 6, 2018

“I am so happy for him,” said Yoeli Childs after the game, who led the Cougars with 31 points. “He has been through so much and it means so much to have him back out here. I am so proud of him, I love him like my brother,” he added.

Emery has a 14.7 career scoring average in his two seasons with the Cougars.

“I thought Nick was probably way better than I thought he would be,” said head coach Dave Rose on Emery’s return. “Not that I don’t think he is capable of playing like that. I just know everything from day one to now of what he has been through and how emotional this was for him, and how much he wanted this to happen. Now that that is over, we will just move forward. I know the guys are happy to have him back,” Rose added.

Nick stays perfect from downtown with this @MountainAmerica #MACU3!

BYU 67 – 52 USU | 2H 10:20#GoCougs #BYUhoops pic.twitter.com/AVIRz9kQ7K

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) December 6, 2018

Rivals Up Next

BYU will play Utah in the Beehive Classic on Saturday at Vivint Smart Home Arena but Emery doesn’t have a lot of great memories against the Utes. In 2015, Emery was ejected for punching Utes guard Brandon Taylor in the face. That incident caused Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak to cancel the next meeting in 2016.

Brandon Taylor #11 of the Utah Utes lays on the floor after being fouled in the second half by Nick Emery #4 of the Brigham Young Cougars at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on December 2, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Utes beat the Brigham Young Cougars 83-75. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)

At his weekly press conference, Krystkowiak was asked about his thoughts on Emery and his return to the court and playing the Utes on Saturday.

Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak on facing Nick Emery and BYU Saturday in the Beehive Classic. pic.twitter.com/RuuBhOUb7w

— Dirk Facer (@DirkFacer) December 4, 2018

Tip-off will be at 12 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU and KSL News Radio.