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Provo • Unless the Cougars play in the NIT this season, four BYU players participated in their final games at the Marriott Center on Thursday night against San Diego.
Seniors Tyler Haws, Josh Sharp, Anson Winder and Skyler Halford were honored before the game in a ceremony with coach Dave Rose and athletic director Tom Holmoe.
The players received blankets and were accompanied by heir parents and, in Sharp's case, his wife and newborn baby.
Forward Nate Austin was also a senior when the season began, but was injured on Dec. 10 and has not played since. Rose said Wednesday that Austin will appeal to the NCAA to get his year back via a medical hardship waiver.
"Every year it is a little bit different, because you have a different connection and relationship with each guy," Rose said, remembering that last year the Cougars didn't have a senior night because they had no seniors.
"I think every year the connection is a little different," Rose continued. "It is pretty emotional because you have had an experience with those guys that is unlike anything that you can describe because of the highs and the lows and the good times and the really challenging times. The ability to scrape yourself off the ground and get up for the next challenge, and be successful in that, that bonds you pretty good with those guys. That's actually the best part of the job, is that whole relationship you have with those guys."
Haws, who entered the game needing 35 points to pass Jimmer Fredette and into first place on BYU's all-time scoring list, said before the game that he wasn't letting himself think about his final appearance at the Marriott Center.
"To be honest, it hasn't really hit me yet," Haws said. "I think it will hit me when that final buzzer sounds that this is the last time I will play in here. You just prepare like it is another game. I have had so many fun memories in a BYU uniform and playing at the Marriott Center. I am sure it will be an emotional game."
Rose said every player honored Thursday night has improved every year since he entered the program.
"All that is basically due to their hard work and their commitment," he said. "For them to have a real effect the last couple weeks of the season is really a testament to their work ethic and their commitment to our program."
Haws up for awards
Haws is one of 16 players selected Wednesday to the watch list for the inaugural Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award. Named after the basketball Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player, the award is presented by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Haws entered the game averaging 22.2 points and was third in the country in scoring. He is also a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award, the Wooden Award and the Naismith Trophy.
The list of 16 finalists will be narrowed to five players in early March. The winner will be announced at the new ESPN College Basketball Awards Show in Los Angeles on April 10.
Twitter: @drewjay