Shooting struggles

To those who have watched or followed the first few BYU men’s basketball games, one thing should stick out above everything else: Jonathan Tavernari is struggling. After going 5-for-18 for 13 points against Bradley on Friday, Tavernari dropped another clunker against Idaho State, going 2-for-12 (including 0-for-6 on three-pointers) for only four points. During the off-season Tavernari consistently preached his new-found patience and improved shot selection, yet, at least through two games, those traits are nowhere to be seen.

I guess he’s nicknamed the “Brazilian Bomber” for a reason.

If you’re wondering what kind of effect JT’s erratic shooting will have on the team this season, consider the following statistic: Tavernari shot 44 percent in games BYU won last season, compared to 37 percent in games the Cougars lost. It seems, statistically at least, that BYU’s fortunes are tied to how well Tavernari plays.

Should this trend be a concern for BYU fans? Maybe. JT is shooting 23.33333333333333 … percent through the first two games, yet BYU has won both, thanks in large part to the play of Jimmer Fredette and various other players who have stepped up. The Cougars boast a deep team, especially with the additions of freshmen Brandon Davies and Tyler Haws, and the fact that Noah Hartsock is entering the season in better physical shape than last year.

So, maybe this year’s team is talented and mature enough to get through games where JT is ice cold and then enjoy the times when he can’t miss (assuming, that is, there will be games where he actually makes some shots). Or, maybe the first two games were an aberration and JT’s shooting woes will doom the Cougars to a year of mediocrity.

I guess we’ll see in time.