Jimmer and his Legacy?

Well, it's over. The Jimmer Coaster fell off the tracks near the peak, killing all that were riding.

Now comes the question: how good was Jimmer? What kind of legacy has he cemented at BYU?

I'm here to argue that Jimmer left about as much legacy as Deron Williams left the Jazz.

Let's consider the facts. Jimmer Fredette played his whole college career here at BYU, passing Danny Ainge to become BYU's all time leading scorer. He led us into the tournament two straight years, willing us to victory in the first year against Florida (well, thanks in large part to Michael Lloyd Jr.), then taking BYU to the Sweet 16, the closest BYU has been to reaching the final four since Ainge's miracle shot against Notre Dame. He will most likely be named the National Player of the Year, and he is looking at a good chance at being drafted in the lottery by the Jazz (although more of that may be due to ticket sales than how good he actually is).

So... what does that leave the fans?

Anyone who considers me a fair-weather fan of BYU (or the Jazz) obviously doesn't know me. I've bled with them my whole life. I watch every game, I follow every stat. I watch BYU compete, recruiting shortcomings and obstacles nonetheless, becoming one of the top college programs in the league. Just like I've watched the Jazz, year after year, exit the playoffs.

Is that good enough for us? Have we been so used to coming in second that we think a Sweet 16 run was magical? After watching Jimmer play one of the worst games of his career against Florida in a game we should have dominated, I can't say I'm happy. I can't say BYU had the best season I could ever possibly hope for. Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I expected too much out of Jimmer. But was there a ceiling on his ability to play, considering his unlimited range and ability to get to the free throw range? Destiny, too, seemed on his side, for his porous lack of defense was compensated for by his running mate, Jackson Emery.

I've never been a fan of one player. I root for BYU. I root for the Jazz. Sure, I love(d) D-Will and Jimmer, but watching Jimmer hoisting the National Player of the Year trophy at the end of the year while watching Florida make the Final Four will leave no joy in my heart, no triumph in the fact that I cheered for him.

It seems like we Jazz/Cougars fans have become accustomed to second place. Right behind the Lakers, so close to the Elite 8, etc etc.

As for me, I will continue to believe that one day, BYU or the Jazz can break through. And until then, I'll never be satisfied, regardless of how many Players of the Year we have.

PS: I'm not sure how many players of the year have won the award with such a decisive lack of clutch shots.

BYU vs Florida, part II (and why I still Doubt)

Well, here it is. The biggest game in BYU history (at least, during my lifetime). BYU has managed to overcome every obstacle. They have faced down those that have doubted them (like me).

Let me explain my brain train in the past few weeks.

- BYU beats SDSU for the 2nd time (with Brandon Davies). At this point, there was actually hope of a final four appearance. ACTUAL HOPE.

- Brandon Davies suspended, UNM destroys us. The doubting starts.

- Tourney starts, Wofford up. Pull out a win, only because Wofford should actually be renamed Woeford. I fear the worst against a strong Gonzaga team.

- Gonzaga is cleared out of town by the Jimmer and co. I party.

Now, shouldn't I have reason to hope? To cheer? To be optimistic about our next game? Of course. However, allow me to lay out a few reasons why we may (and probably will) lose against Florida.

1. Rematch feelings run deep. Like no other team perhaps, Florida most likely wants to not only beat us, but shove us into the dirt, break our arms, kick us in sensitive areas, and elbow us in the head. Can you imagine the amount of adrenaline that will be flowing thru their veins? Granted, we are pumped as well, but I don't think we can equal their mustard simply because they were beaten by us and we haven't tasted defeat at their hands.

2. Roster shuffling. Here's a look at some of the key players BYU lost this year as compared to last year:

- Lamont Morgan Jr.
- Michael Lloyd Jr.
- Tyler Haws
- Johnathon Tavernari
- Chris Miles

Clearly, losing some of these guys (Tava Tava anyone?) made us a better team. However, anyone that disputes the fact that Michael Lloyd Jr. is the reason we made it to the 2nd round last year obviously didn't watch the game. (Plus, despite Miles' performance offensively, he did pose a much stronger defensive force than James Anderson can muster).

Now, let's look at Florida's roster losses as compared to last year:

- Dan Werner

Have you heard of him? Me neither. There's clearly a gap here.

3. Erving Walker. Out of all their players, he scares me the most. Who will guard him? Will a zone stop him? He has been torching opponents as of late, and I don't think we match up well AT ALL against him. I think Emery and Abouo can do good jobs on Boynton and Parsons, but Jimmer on Walker? Forget about it.

Well, there you have it. These are my 3 reasons for doubting our chances on Thursday.

Now, let me retort before you even have a chance. Obviously, all of you are shouting at me, "WE HAVE THE JIMMER." He is much better than he was last year. He can put up points on any defense. Understood. I agree wholeheartedly.

Jimmer not only has to have a good game to overcome these obstacles; he has to have a GREAT game (shoot at least 60%, get to the free throw line 10 times, 5 dimes, 5 boards). To me, this has been too variable to depend on. Clearly, in this regard, I am correct, as no real basketball team (except a certain Bulls team led by MJ) has ever gone the distance relying on one player. And Jimmer, despite how great he is, is not MJ.

Regardless... he could score 50. If so, the Gators are in for a long day.