My Japanese friends.
Someday I wish to visit your beautiful country.
Before I do, I want to know something.
What are behaviors from tourists that are considered rude in Japan?
Collin Chandler, currently at Kentucky under Mark Pope, has announced he's hitting the transfer portal and transferring to BYU to play under Kevin Young.
Big get for the Cougars
Collin Chandler, currently at Kentucky under Mark Pope, has announced he's hitting the transfer portal and transferring to BYU to play under Kevin Young.
Big get for the Cougars
I lost my voice more times than I can count yelling against Richie Saunders when he came into our house, the Huntsman Center, wearing that Cougar blue.
You know the feeling if you’ve ever been part of a fierce rivalry. One player who could single-handedly swing the game, force every fan to become the sixth man on the floor. Richie walked out of the tunnel with that quiet confidence, the kind earned from losing every year on our court as a younger player, yet never backing down. His energy filled the arena before he even touched the ball.
Then came his senior year. Top-rated team against us, game down to the last shot, emotions electric on both sides. He and BYU finally won that battle in our building. Bitter pill to swallow as a Ute fan, no question. He was the enemy who earned the victory.
Fast forward to this weekend. Richie suffers a season-ending ACL injury early in BYU’s overtime win over Colorado. The last of that loyal four-year group, the guy who carried his team on his back through thick and thin. He deserved to finish on a high note, to go out swinging in March, chasing what he helped build.
I’m saddened. Truly. The rivalry made me root against him hard, but it also made me respect him deeply. Warriors recognize warriors.
So today, from one passionate fan on the other side of the red-blue line, my condolences to Richie Saunders. Heal strong. You’ve given us a rivalry worthy of the loudest crowds and the most unforgettable moments. I will miss watching you play.
Respect earned on the court lasts longer than any scoreboard. Here’s to honoring the fight, the loyalty, and the heart it takes to compete at that level.