BYU men’s basketball star Alex Barcello announces he will return next season, giving Cougs an immediate boost
Senior Guard was BYU’s top scorer last season with an average of just over 16 points per game
(Isaac Hale | Special for The Tribune) Brigham Young University security guard Alex Barcello (13) tries to distribute the ball while being struck by Logan Johnson (0), security guard at St. Mary’s College, during a game between the BYU Cougars and Saint Mary’s College of California Gaels took place on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the Marriott Center in Provo.
For months, people have been waiting for Alex Barcello to make a decision – either return to Provo for another season or end his college career.
This question was answered on Friday evening.
BYU’s Star Guard announced during the BYU Fathers and Sons Camp at Smith Fieldhouse that he will in fact play another season for the Cougars.
The opportunity to come back was made possible by the NCAA’s blanket waiver, which froze eligibility for fall and winter athletes during the pandemic year. BYU’s other two seniors, Matt Haarms and Brandon Averette, had previously announced that they would not take advantage of the extra season.
Barcello made his way to Provo in 2019, moving from Arizona, where he played his first two seasons for the Wildcats.
The Chandler, Arizona native received a transfer waiver and immediately became part of the Cougars rotation, starting in every game he has played in the past two years.
During the 2019-20 season, Barcello averaged 9.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Those numbers have all improved last season as Barcello took on a bigger leadership role with the Cougars on and off the ground as well.
Barcello was the team’s top scorer averaging 16.1 points while averaging 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
Barcello’s return will help bring stability to a team that has lost more than a handful of players to dealings and transfers. Barcello will most likely be backed by Wisconsin transfer Te’Jon Lucas, who recently announced his commitment to BYU.
Caleb Lohner and Gavin Baxter seem like obvious choices to join the Cougars starting XI, possibly rounded off by Gideon George.
With Barcello’s return, BYU is back on solid ground and ready to continue the success it has achieved over the past two seasons under coach Mark Pope.
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