Magnusson might be the man to fill BYU's hoops vacancy

With three seniors departing and only two freshmen (Tyler Haws and Brandon Davies) joining BYU’s basketball team next season, there’s an open spot on BYU’s roster. A few weeks ago a local high school coach, who I consider a good judge of talent, told me that former Wasatch High forward Logan Magnusson, who just helped Salt Lake Community College win the national junior college crown, would be a good fit for the Cougars. Evidently, BYU’s staff agrees. The 6-foot-6 forward, who started 31 games for SLCC this past season, made an official visit to BYU on Monday and is pondering an offer to join BYU’s basketball team next year. I guess Magnusson could turn down BYU’s scholarship offer, but I doubt he will. From what I’m hearing, his next best offer is from Southern Utah, where he might get more minutes. For the Cougars he’d add much-needed depth at the forward position, which the Cougars will need with the departure of Lee Cummard and the possible departure of Jonathan Tavernari. However, especially if Tavernari returns, the competition for playing time at the forward spot next season should be fierce with Haws and Davies both expected to challenge for spots in the rotation in their first season. Also, Charles Abouo and Noah Hartsock played well enough this past season that both should challenge for time and are sure to see plenty of action. Magnusson is a good shooter, good rebounder and a player labeled as a do-it-all hustling scrappy kind of guy. Honestly, I think the Cougars could have used him this past season.
Do the Cougars have any more prospects out there? Brock Zylstra, a 6-foot-4 guard, will return from a church mission and will also be on BYU’s roster next year. I’m also hearing the Cougars might have some interest in Greenwood High (South Carolina) point guard DJ Harrison, but the Cougars are deep at point next year with Jimmer Fredette, Lamont Morgan Jr. and Michael Loyd. Harrison is the older brother of DeMarcus Harrison, a 6-foot-5 guard the Cougars hope to land in 2010-11. I also believe the BYU coaching staff was impressed significantly by the play of some of the Cougar practice players – in particular, former Lone Peak High star Rick Roberts, who has one season of college eligibility remaining.
For the Cougars to sign any other players, however, Tavernari’s spot would have to become available or someone else on this past season’s team would have to depart.