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The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has a rich history dating back to 1903, with notable achievements such as winning 1,786 games and ranking 12th among Division I programs. The Cougars have also made 29 NCAA tournament appearances, with their first in 1950, and have won multiple conference championships. In recent years, the team has faced challenges, including a benefits scandal involving shooting guard Nick Emery, which resulted in vacated victories. However, in 2025, the Cougars made headlines by defeating VCU and Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament, ending a 13-year drought. With a talented roster and a history of success, the BYU Cougars continue to be a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
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What You'll Learn
BYU Cougars' 2025 NCAA Tournament performance
The BYU Cougars received an at-large bid to enter the 2025 NCAA Tournament as a 6-seed, marking their 32nd NCAA Tournament appearance. They faced the VCU Rams in the first round, aiming to end their struggles in the tournament.
In their first game, BYU emerged victorious with a 80-71 win over VCU, thanks to strong performances by Egor Demin and Richie Saunders. This win was significant as it ended BYU's streak of losses in the NCAA Tournament since 2012.
BYU's chances of advancing beyond the Elite Eight were considered slim. Predictions gave them a 55-57.3% chance of beating VCU and advancing to the second round. If they made it past the first round, they would face either Wisconsin or Montana. Analysts predicted a close game with Wisconsin, favouring them by a small margin. However, if BYU were to play Montana, they were predicted to win by a comfortable margin of 15-20 points.
BYU's historical performance in the NCAA Tournament includes 29 appearances, with their first in 1950 under head coach Stan Watts. They have the most appearances of any men's team that hasn't made it to the Final Four. They have also won two NIT championships, in 1951 and 1966.
The team has produced notable players such as Mel Hutchins, Roland Minson, and Loren C. Dunn, who have had successful NBA careers. BYU's performance in the 2024-25 season leading up to the tournament was strong, with a record of 24-9, winning nine of their last ten games.
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BYU Cougars' 2012 NCAA Tournament performance
The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has a rich history, with the team being established in 1902 or 1903 and representing Brigham Young University in NCAA Division I basketball. The Cougars have a total of 27 conference championships, 3 conference tournament championships, and 2 NIT Tournament wins to their name. They have made 31 appearances in the NCAA tournament, with their first being in 1950 under head coach Stan Watts.
In 2012, the BYU Cougars set a remarkable record for the largest comeback in an NCAA tournament game. On March 13, 2012, the Cougars faced the Iona Gaels in the first game of the 2012 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. BYU found themselves down by 25 points at one stage but managed to pull off a stunning 78-72 victory. This game marked the first round of the tournament, with BYU entering as a 14 seed in the First Four play-in round.
The Cougars' success in the 2012 NCAA Tournament did not end there. After their remarkable comeback against Iona, BYU advanced to face the 11-seeded VCU Rams. The Cougars were able to hold off the Rams, winning the game 80-71 and advancing to the Round of 32 in the tournament. This victory was largely attributed to the playmaking of freshman Egor Demin, who, alongside some dominant inside play, helped BYU advance to the next round.
The 2012 NCAA Tournament marked a significant achievement for the BYU Cougars, as they recorded their first tournament victory since 2011 and their first Round of 64 win since Jimmer Fredette led them to success in 2011. The 2012 tournament also witnessed the emergence of Kyle Collinsworth, who, following the departure of Tyler Haws, became the team's recognized leader. Collinsworth's performance earned him WCC Player of the Year honors and a place in the NCAA record books for his career triple-doubles.
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BYU Cougars' 1950-51 NCAA Tournament performance
The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has a long and storied history, with the program first fielding a team in 1903. The 1950-51 season was particularly notable for the Cougars, as they qualified for the NCAA Tournament and won 28 games.
Under head coach Stan Watts, the BYU Cougars men's basketball team made their second appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1951. The previous year, in 1950, they had come within one point of reaching the national semifinals. The 1951 team built on that success, winning 28 games and once again qualifying for the prestigious tournament. They won the West First Round game against San Jose State by a score of 68-61. However, their journey ended in the West Regional Semifinal, where they lost to Kansas State by a score of 64-54. In the West Regional Third Place game, they faced Washington and lost by a score of 80-67. Despite this setback, the 1951 Cougars went on to win the first of two NIT championships for the school, showcasing their talent and determination.
The 1950-51 team included notable players such as Mel Hutchins, Roland Minson, and Loren C. Dunn. Mel Hutchins was drafted #2 overall in the 1951 NBA draft and had a stellar career, becoming a 5-time NBA All-Star with the Pistons and the Knicks. Roland Minson was also drafted in the first round, selected #16 overall in the same draft. Loren C. Dunn, another standout player, went on to become a general authority in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Following the 1950-51 season, the Cougars continued to find success under Watts, making five more appearances in the NCAA Tournament and winning their second NIT championship in 1966. BYU has a rich basketball history, with 27 conference championships and 29 NCAA Tournament appearances as of 2023. They hold the distinction of having the most NCAA appearances among men's teams that have never made it to the Final Four.
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BYU Cougars' notable players
The BYU Cougars men's basketball team has a rich history, with notable players who have gone on to achieve success in the NBA and the NFL.
One of the earliest notable players for the BYU Cougars was Mel Hutchins, who was drafted #2 in the 1951 NBA draft. Hutchins became a five-time NBA All-Star, playing for the Pistons and the Knicks. Roland Minson, drafted #16 overall in the same draft, and Loren C. Dunn, a future general authority in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were also part of the Cougars' early success.
In the 2000s, under coach Dave Rose, the Cougars continued to recruit talented players, including All-American Jimmer Fredette, who joined the team in 2007, and DeMarcus Harrison, who joined in 2011. Rose led the team to their first NCAA tournament victory in 17 years in 2010, with a double-overtime win against the University of Florida. The following year, they advanced to the Sweet 16.
Other notable players include Nick Emery, a shooting guard involved in an alleged benefits scandal, and Kyle Collinsworth, who set the NCAA record for career triple-doubles and earned WCC Player of the Year honours as a senior.
The BYU Cougars football team has also produced several notable players who have gone on to successful NFL careers. Quarterback Jim McMahon, who played for the Cougars from 1977 to 1981, had a 15-season NFL career, winning two Super Bowls, making one Pro Bowl appearance, and earning an All-Pro honour. Offensive tackle John Tait, who played for BYU from 1996 to 1998, was drafted 14th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft and played in 148 NFL games during his career. Running back Vai Sikahema, who played for the Cougars from 1980 to 1981 and 1983 to 1985, also made a name for himself in the NFL as a kick returner, earning spots on two Pro Bowl rosters during his eight-year career.
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BYU Cougars' rivalry with Utah State University
The BYU Cougars and Utah State University Aggies have a long-standing rivalry in American college football, having met for the Old Wagon Wheel 65 times since 1948. The rivalry predates the Old Wagon Wheel trophy era and is largely dominated by Utah State in the early years. The two teams also compete for the Beehive Boot, alongside the University of Utah, as part of a three-way rivalry among Division I FBS universities from the state of Utah.
The BYU-Utah State football rivalry series was dominated by BYU for three decades, with the Cougars winning ten straight games before the Aggies broke their streak in 2010 with a 31-16 victory, reclaiming the Old Wagon Wheel for the first time since 1993. The Old Wagon Wheel returned to Utah State again in 2014 when they defeated BYU 35-20. The two teams traditionally meet on the first Friday of October, coinciding with the semiannual worldwide General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The rivalry between BYU and Utah State extends beyond just football. The two universities are among the largest and most prominent athletic programs in Utah, separated by about 45 miles. Their rivalry in other sports, such as basketball, is also intense and well-known. BYU fielded its first basketball team in 1903 and played its first game against Utah State University in 1906, marking the beginning of their long-standing rivalry in this sport as well.
While the rivalry between BYU and Utah State is fierce on the field, it is also marked by mutual respect and collaboration off the field. The universities have come together to promote sportsmanship and civility among their fans, kicking off the Rival Right tradition. Additionally, faculty members from both universities have collaborated on research projects, co-authoring 1,388 projects in just the past decade, showcasing that while rivalry may exist in one arena, cooperation and teamwork can thrive in another.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, BYU won the 2025 NCAA tournament against Wisconsin.
No, BYU did not win the 2012 NCAA tournament but they did beat Iona in the first round.
Yes, BYU won the 2001 MWC tournament.
No, BYU did not win the 1950 NCAA tournament but they did come within one point of reaching the national semifinals.
No, BYU did not win the 1951 NCAA tournament but they did win 28 games and qualify for the tournament.
