Basketball Begins Friday at Cougar Tipoff

Annual Event is Free to the Public

PROVO -- Cougar fans can get their first look at this season's BYU men's and women's basketball teams Friday at the annual Cougar Tipoff. Free to the public, Cougar Tipoff will take place in the Marriott Center, starting at 7 p.m.

"The event is free and seating is general admission so fans can come and get a good seat to meet this year's basketball teams," BYU Marketing Director Tony Jewkes said. "This is a great opportunity for fans to have some fun, see both teams play and hear from Coach Rose and Coach Judkins. The doors open at 6 p.m."

Cougar Tipoff features a full-length men's team scrimmage, a 15-minute women's team scrimmage, two-ball shooting contests, a slam-dunk exhibition and meet-the-team autograph signings with free team posters.

"Our guys are working hard to prepare for the season," BYU men's basketball coach Dave Rose said. "We have a good core returning and some talented new players. I believe our fans will enjoy the style of basketball we will play. We will be aggressive and play with a lot of passion."

Coach Rose and women's coach Jeff Judkins will both address the crowd at Cougar Tipoff. After the team introductions, the two teams will participate in a two-ball shooting competition, teaming members from the men's and women's teams together similar to the NBA all-star weekend contest.

The men's team will then put on a dunk exhibition prior to Coach Rose splitting his squad into two teams for the first half of the scrimmage. At halftime, the women's team will play a 15-minute scrimmage. The men's team will then return for the second half of the blue-white contest. After the game, BYU players will meet with fans and sign autographs.

"We are looking forward to another exciting season," Judkins said. "We have a great group of girls who have worked really hard to get ready for the season. Our plans are to contend for the conference title and play in the postseason."