BYU Basketball: Predicting the Starters for the 2012-13 Season

Although BYU's first basketball game is months away, it is never too early to look ahead at the upcoming season. The 2012-13 year looks like it will be an exciting one, as Coach Rose has signed two junior college transfers and Tyler Haws returns from his LDS mission.

But in the midst of the excitement, who will the starting five be?

Let's look at who I think Coach Rose will start.

Matt Carlino, G

A transfer from UCLA, Matt Carlino helped the Cougars to a 26-9 record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.  He averaged 12.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game last season, and gained a starting role after his stellar performance against seventh-ranked Baylor.

Although Carlino can score and distribute, he tends to turn the ball over quite often. He averaged three turnovers per game, but had nine against an inferior San Diego team. In order for BYU to secure an NCAA tournament bid, he will have to limit his turnovers.

Rael Delgado, G

Rael Delgado recently signed with BYU after a season and Western Nebraska Community College, where he averaged 18.3 points per game and shot 43 percent from three-point range.

This is a tough prediction to make because we have not seen him play at the Division 1 level yet, but I feel that Delgado can make immediate contributions.

Tyler Haws, G/F

Tyler Haws was a member of the BYU basketball team in 2009-10, before leaving on a two year LDS mission. While playing for the Cougars, he averaged 11.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

Haws returned from his mission earlier this week and should make an impact at the small forward position next year.

Brandon Davies, F

Brandon Davies started every game for the Cougars last season, averaging 15.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He had a double-double four times last year, including a 20-20 game against San Fransisco.

Davies should lead BYU's frontcourt, due to the graduation of All American forward Noah Hartsock. 

Nate Austin, F/C

Nate Austin played in every one of BYU's games last season, and shot an impressive 60.4 percent on field goals and 41.7 percent on three-pointers. He averaged only 4.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, but scored 15 points against Weber State.

Austin will have to replace Noah Hartsock, which will not be an easy task. Although Nate Austin is a forward, he is a decent three-point shooter—which will work to his advantage.