Home » Misc » How many byu basketball players are mormon
How many byu basketball players are mormon
BYU Basketball Roster Inventory: Current Personnel, Signees, Missionaries
PROVO, Utah – There has been a lot of personnel additions to the BYU basketball roster since head coach Mark Pope took over the program.
A total of 10 players on this year’s BYU basketball roster were recruited by Pope and the current staff. Last season’s 24-8 team that finished No. 18 in the national AP Top 25 poll, had six seniors. Leaving Pope’s program to plug the gaps on their 2020-21 BYU Basketball roster with a bunch of new faces and transfers.
Here’s an overview of all the personnel currently part of the program, along with missionaries and players that are signed to play for the Cougars in the future.
BYU Basketball Roster 2020-21 (Current Personnel)
Brandon Averette, Senior*
BYU desperately needed another experienced ball-handler in the backcourt to pair up with Barcello. Averette’s skills with the basketball are top-notch. One of the best ball-handlers BYU has acquired since Jimmer Fredette and to go even farther back Matt Montague.
Matt Haarms, Senior
Haarms arrives at BYU from Purdue as the tallest player the Cougars have had since Shawn Bradley 30 years ago. At 7-foot-3, Haarms will have the ability to shut down the paint on the defensive end and showcase his versatility on the offensive side. This year, he has the potential to be one of the best big men in college basketball, and he loves what the BYU coaching staff has to offer in elevating his game.
#BYU F/C Matt Haarms was asked about the winter athlete eligibility waiver. Haarms replied, "I think it's a great decision [by the NCAA] … For me, I don't think it's really that relevant. I'm going to be 24 at the end of this year. This is my year."#BYUHoops #BLRA @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2020
Alex Barcello, Senior
One of the nation’s top three-point shooters last season at 48. 6 percent from beyond the arc. Barcello steps into the role of being BYU’s most experienced leader within the program. “The Bulldog,” as players and coaches refer to him, will now have plays designed for him within the offense, along with being one of the Cougars’ top defensive players.
Kolby Lee, Junior*
Lee took a huge step forward in his development last season and made many BYU fans “Kolbelievers” with his improved play. Lee averaged 7 points and pulled down 3 rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 62.5 percent from the field, thanks in large part to those “quickie” shots he mastered a year ago.
Jesse Wade, Junior*
Wade is working to return from the knee injury that forced him to miss all of last season. A former Player of the Year here in the state of Utah, Wade has the ability to fill it up in bunches. But it has been years since Wade has had a consistent role with a team. If healthy, Wade adds another player who can flat out shoot.
Richard Harward, Junior*
Last year, the media watched all two hours of practice on days selected for media availability. There were a couple of guarantees with every practice. Mark Pope was going to throw a football around to players during stretches, and Richard Harward was going to get on someone’s nerves. Harward is BYU’s enforcer in the frontcourt, and he could find himself in the starting lineup this season.
Will be interesting to see how Haarms is used at #BYU. He has the range to shoot from three. Improved last season at Purdue.
Haarms in the same front court as UVU transfer Richard Harward might be the 1-2 punch #BYU needs to battle Gonzaga 2-3 times next season.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) April 23, 2020
Spencer Johnson, Junior*
One of the top players for SLCC this past season, Johnson has had a long, winding road towards ending up at BYU. A former Weber State signee out of American Fork High School, Johnson is a combo guard who has made significant leaps forward on the defensive end.
#BYU signee Spencer Johnson on why he picked the Cougars. #BYUhoops @kslsports pic.twitter.com/6qrDqhBtzu
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 13, 2019
Gavin Baxter, Junior
Last season Baxter sacrificed a year of eligibility, but he gets it back this year with a free season. A former four-star recruit, Baxter made a quicker than expected recovery from a torn labrum injury to return late in the season for a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament with his teammates. The COVID-19 pandemic took away the chance to play in the Big Dance last year, but now Baxter looks poised for a big bounceback. At 6-foot-9, Baxter has the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Connor Harding, Junior
Could Harding become BYU’s next Jake Toolson? It’s possible. Harding was a sharpshooter burying 44 percent of his three-point attempts last season coming off the bench. Only entering his junior season, Harding could play some point guard, or the two and three spots. He’s a versatile player like Toolson was, and now he has an opportunity to take a big leap forward in his game.
Gideon George, Junior
A talent like Gideon George highlights the depth on BYU’s roster. A 6-foot-6 wing who still has his best days of basketball in front of him. George moved from Nigeria to play basketball in America, where he played at New Mexico Junior College for two years. Now he will look to find his role in year one at BYU. He has three years to play two in his collegiate career.
Gideon George’s (@GideonOmohkudu) message to #BYU fans: “Let’s go Cougar Nation! Your boy is coming to town. Let’s go!”
Getting to know Gideon in a new #CougarTracks.#BYUhoops @kslsports https://t. co/12JbkQdh5L pic.twitter.com/5a4Yn7BflX
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 25, 2020
Wyatt Lowell, Sophomore*
The former WAC Freshman of the Year at UVU, Lowell, has endless potential. A former four-star recruit by some outlets coming out of Williams Field High School in Arizona. Has the athleticism to play out on the wing and be a three in a given lineup. During the off-season, Lowell suffered a torn labrum that would keep him out for four to six months.
Trevin Knell, Sophomore
One of the best shooters in the program, Knell, played in only 19 games in his first year back after serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Knell was making strides on the defensive end before suffering a freak thumb injury in the pregame warmup line.
Hunter Erickson, Freshman
After two years away, it can be easy for fans to forget about a player’s talent coming back from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hunter Erickson is one of those guys that people are sleeping on. Watching Erickson’s highlights at Timpview, he reminds me a little bit of former BYU guard Michael Vranes because of how athletic they are.
Caleb Lohner, Freshman
There might not be a better fit offensively for what Pope is doing with his offense than adding Caleb Lohner. Checking in at 6-foot-9 with shoes on, Lohner has an old-school feel to his game and one of the purest shooting forms you’ll find from a true freshman. Lohner has the potential to be in the conversation for a starting role, but how quickly does he pick things up on the defensive end?
New haircut for the newest member of the @BYUbasketball team, Caleb Lohner (@C_Lohner11). 💇♂️🏀#BYUhoops #GoCougs https://t.co/Y1n3ArWhRU
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 28, 2020
Cameron Pearson, Sophomore (Walk-on)
Part of the program last year appearing in 13 games.
Townsend Tripple, Freshman (Walk-on)
Was going to serve a mission, but due to COVID-19, the mission has been delayed, and will walk-on this season.
Brandon Warr, Senior (Walk-on)
Warr transferred from Westminster College, where he has two years to play one. Expected to redshirt this season.
For more on the current BYU basketball roster, subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast on the KSL Sports app.
Signees (Class of 2021)
Jake Wahlin | Timpview High School | ***
(Wahlin is expected to sign)
Wahlin is a 6-7 combo guard who could play some point guard for BYU after returning home from serving his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2023.
Timpview’s @WahlinJake on why he picked #BYU over Arizona State, USU, SDSU, and others.#BYUHoops @kslsports https://t. co/J2JeUVv3rS pic.twitter.com/bZHFyrHZVv
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 15, 2020
Missionaries
Returning for 2021-22 season
Trey Stewart | American Fork High School
Mark Pope has used the word “explosive” to describe Trey Stewart. Stewart took off in his senior year and he’s viewed as a prospect who has endless potential. He was serving a mission in England before the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Stewart is now serving his mission in Kennewick, Washington, where he is spreading the gospel through impressions slam dunks.
"Dunk you very much!"
You don't see hops like this out on the mission field very often. 😮#BYUHoops #BYU #GoCougs https://t.co/V4r6HhT7vk
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 17, 2020
Nate Hansen | Timpview High School
Hansen signed with BYU over offers from UC Davis, Portland, and UC Davis. He’s currently serving his mission in Arkansas.
Jeremy DowDell | Olympus High School
DowDell led the state of Utah in scoring as a senior with 29.6 points per game. A sharp-shooter from beyond the arc, DowDell knocked down 43 percent of his three-point attempts as a senior.
Casey Brown | Pleasant Grove High School
Brown is a three-year varsity player at Pleasant Grove. Averaged 16.8 points per game in his final year with the Vikings.
Returning for 2022-23 season
Richie Saunders | Wasatch Academy
A top 250 prospect according to the 247Sports Composite, Saunders turned down offers from Utah and Creighton to sign with BYU. Saunders is currently serving a mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Madagascar.
#BYU signee and @WATigersBB star Richie Saunders is here for this big game against the Zags. #BYUhoops @kslsports pic.twitter.com/Yg0UslCbZA
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 23, 2020
Dallin Hall | Fremont High School
Donovan Mitchell called Hall a “hooper” for his play during the Utah High School State Tournament. Hall has earned praise from Mark Pope for his leadership and “Hollywood caliber charisma.” Hall left this summer to serve a mission in the Philippines.
One month after getting called a "Hooper" by Donovan Mitchell, Fremont High star Dallin Hall (@DallinHHall) has commited to #BYU.#BYUhoops #GoCougs https://t.co/63vdxPaqFx
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 13, 2020
Tanner Toolson | Union High School (WA)
The son of former BYU player Andy Toolson, Tanner, was the Washington State Mr. Basketball last season. Toolson picked BYU over Utah, Utah State, and Boise State. He’s serving a mission in Jacksonville, Florida.
Tanner Toolson on why he chose #BYU.
"BYU, I feel like it would be a really hard option to turn down. Just because I feel like I fit in the system really well."#BYUhoops @kslsports https://t.co/frrvaTqMbJ
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) May 15, 2020
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper and the KSL Sports app.
What BYU basketball landing three players who hail from Africa means to the program
BYU forward Gideon George celebrates a basket in Provo on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. George is one of three players from Africa that will be on the 2021-22 roster.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
More than ever, BYU basketball will feature a strong African influence this season.
The Cougars are set to have three players from the continent of Africa on their roster in 2021-22: junior Gideon George, who averaged 5.4 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, and hails from Nigeria; freshman forward Fousseyni Traore, who’s from Mali in West Africa; and 6-foot-11 freshman center Atiki Ally Atiki, a native of Tanzania.
As BYU assistant coach Chris Burgess explains, the staff wasn’t necessarily looking to add players from Africa. It just happened naturally.
“We’re always trying to find guys that fit us. Our staff likes length and athleticism. So when these guys present themselves, we start recruiting them,” he said. “We’ve cultivated these relationships with them where they like talking to us and being around us. I wouldn’t say we’re targeting that part of the world. It’s nothing like that. We just happened to run into it and we’re excited about those three.
“I think what we have to talk about and sell as a program, they’re drawn to it. They like what we’re saying,” he continued. “They know that BYU has a fantastic locker room that’s family. They want to be a part of that.”
Although BYU, which is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has connections throughout the world, these African players aren’t members of the church. They found themselves on BYU’s radar after they had already arrived in the United States.
The fact this trio chose BYU says a lot about the way the game of basketball has grown all over the globe. But it also speaks to the type of players coach Mark Pope and his staff are seeking in the recruiting process.
“BYU is a very special, unique place,” Burgess explained. “The standards our guys live up to and sacrifice for the greater good of the team, we love that. We try to recruit guys that understand that and want to be a part of that. It helps our locker room, it helps our team. We’re chasing those guys. It just so happens that those three guys — Fousse, Atiki, Gideon — understand those things. They understand that living to a certain standard, in some form or fashion, they had that in their personal life and they hold themselves accountable.
“They understand what sacrifice is,” he continued. “These guys have left their home country to come to America to play basketball. They understand giving up their own needs and desires for the well-being of their team and teammates for that special locker room. They understand that there’s something bigger out there than themselves.
“We look for those type of guys — whether they’re African or American, it doesn’t matter to us. We’re just trying to find those guys because that’s what makes a special locker room. That’s what makes guys that are committed to getting better and winning.”
Well-traveled recruiters
BYU assistant basketball coach Chris Burgess poses for photos while at the Marriott Center Annex in Provo on Friday, May 3, 2019. Burgess, who is well-traveled going back to his playing days overseas, is thrilled about the Cougars’ three African basketball players.
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Burgess spent more than a decade playing professionally around the world after his collegiate career at Duke and Utah.
“I didn’t serve an LDS mission but I got to live for 11 years in some fun places all over the world,” he said. “I gained an amazing perspective of what kids have to do to play basketball over there. Soccer dominates over there.”
In the United States, foreign players learn to appreciate other sports, too.
During the NFC Championship game last January, assistant coach Cody Fueger, a huge Green Bay Packers fan, invited George to his house to watch the game between the Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Gideon was rooting for (Tampa Bay quarterback) Tom Brady, so I had to have him leave my house after a little while,” Fueger said with a laugh.
Attitude of gratitude
Fueger loves the attitude these players from Africa bring to the program. They’re humble and not entitled.
“These guys are so grateful for everything. They’re so excited to be here every day. That’s the part that makes it so awesome,” he said. “A lot of people that live in the United States are given so much, like shoes — we know what Gideon George is doing. They’re so grateful for everything they’ve got and they want to make the best of every single day. Education is so important to them.”
George played for two seasons at New Mexico Junior College before transferring to BYU.
George, who recently finished his first season for the Cougars, is traveling to California this weekend to participate in the Nigerian Basketball National Team training camp.
While Nigeria has qualified for the Olympics, it is looking to add the finishing touches to the roster ahead of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which begin July 23.
Traore prepped at Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, where he averaged 9.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Atiki, who has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, is BYU’s most recent African signing. He moved from Mwanza, Tanzania to Ontario, Canada, in 2018 to complete high school at the London Basketball Academy, where he averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds as a junior.
“Growing up in Tanzania, Atiki will bring to our team a fresh world view and added diversity in our continued pursuit of the best locker room in America,” Pope said of Atiki. “He is humble, hungry and has an overwhelmingly special work ethic that Cougar Nation will fall in love with. He is a gifted athlete with length, athleticism and touch around the rim. He is sure to become a fan favorite and have a major impact on BYU basketball and our entire community for years to come.”
Burgess said Atiki, who chose BYU over Oklahoma and San Diego State, has a lot of room to develop his game.
“He’s a beautiful kid. It’s cool just to see where he comes from in terms of Tanzania and how he got here, through Canada, through camps, and his journey here to North America with a language barrier.” — Chris Burgess on Atiki Ally Atiki
“He’s a beautiful kid. It’s cool just to see where he comes from in terms of Tanzania and how he got here, through Canada, through camps, and his journey here to North America with a language barrier,” Burgess said. “He’s only played the game since he was 14 or 15 years old. He weighed 175 pounds, at 6-9, when he got here. Now he’s got the body of an NBA player in terms of his size, his length, his reach and things he can do on the court. He is a true five. He’s got great length.”
What are Atiki’s strengths?
“I think he has a beautiful jump hook over his left and right shoulders. It’s amazing what his coaches the past four years have done with him in terms of him being able to play both right and left shoulder,” Burgess said. “He can get a catch in the post and with the help of our staff, he’s going to keep developing his game.
“He’s going to learn a ton from getting beat up every day by our older guys like Gavin Baxter and Richard Harward. He’s going to learn a lot there. But he’s going to be a kid that doesn’t have an ego. He’s not a five-star, one-and-done kid that’s been given everything that most grassroots basketball players are given. He’s not that type of kid.
“He’s going to come in here and put his head down and work and grind. He’s going to push our guys. He’s going to get beat up and come back, ready for more. I can’t wait to get him out here and get our hands on him to work with him and teach him the game.”
Making adjustments
Meanwhile, Atiki will have to adjust to the game at this level.
“The pace of the game from high school to college is always an adjustment. He’s had great coaches. We want kids that are going to help BYU but also fit us. He’s going to come here and learn and grow but he’s going to bring something I don’t think BYU hasn’t seen in a long time — which is his size and length and the things he’ll be able to do,” Burgess said. “It might take him a little bit.
“He might come here and the first few games, not get on the floor. And that’s OK. He’s one of those kids that’s just looking to get better and grow as a player. He has a ton of upside. We’re excited about him. Just like Gideon, it’s going to take this kid some time to understand the college pace of the game. We’re excited about him. ”
Burgess believes that having these African players on the roster make the BYU basketball program better.
“We hope that we can have 13 guys on scholarship with a locker room full of those guys. And it’s not for everyone,” he said. “Some guys have personal agendas and they don’t fit with us. They have to leave their personal agendas at the door and sacrifice that for the greater good of the team. If you can do that, with coach Pope running the show, special things happen.”
Mormons and Basketball | the dark writer
The other day, local Mormons invited me to their church to play basketball with them. It was with great pleasure that I visited the noble followers of Joseph Smith and was finally satisfied with both my game and new acquaintances.
Well, firstly, unlike the game with leather ball magicians (read blacks), I started to get something in the game.
And secondly, I learned a lot about this religious teaching and looked at the life and foundations of American Mormons.
The USA is a rather religious country, so belonging to a particular religion plays an important role here. Moreover, active participation in the life of the community can bring not only a spiritual reward, but also seriously help in a career.
For example, we now see how two Republican presidential candidates, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, rely on the support of their religious electorate in the form of Mormons and evangelical Chritian-Baptists.
I will not talk about all the nuances of Mormonism, since there is a lot of available literature on the Web. I will describe only my impression of the meeting and give a few interesting facts:
Mormonism is the fourth largest religion in the US in terms of the number of believers (along with Islam).
In addition to the Bible, there is a “Book of Mormon”
American Joseph Smith (the founder of the movement) is considered a prophet consider them not true (moreover, they are loyal to other confessions)
Polygamy has been banned since 1890, so today only illiterate ignoramuses criticize the Mormons for polygamy. By the way, even Mitt Romney could cost his presidential career the fact that his grandfather supported polygamy
Mormons are supporters of science and education
Mormons try to spend more time in churches, so churches are not just temples, but not what looks like huge offices with entertainment and sports infrastructure. There is a place to eat, drink delicious coffee, watch TV, chat with friends, play sports games.
Gym
To my surprise, I was greeted like an old friend. They gave me coffee, gave me a jersey for playing basketball, almost everyone came up with a smile and got to know each other.
I was generally treated like a great friend.
From a personal conversation, I learned that they do not pay their priests. Church ministers go to their usual work during the day: teacher, social worker. worker, etc., and in the evening to the service.
I was struck by the fact that all Mormons need at least a year to engage in missionary work. For example, to go to Siberia for a whole year and teach English to everyone for free.
They invite everyone to their churches. Instead of vegetating on the street, young people can come and play football or basketball.
In general, the atmosphere is very warm and friendly. In such a church you want to come, relax and communicate.
P.S. The Russian Orthodox Church considers the "Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days" (ie Mormons) to be a pagan sect.
Well, the last thing I will pay attention to is the opinion of people from the Russian Orthodox Church, and next Wednesday, I will again go out to the basketball court belonging to my new friends.
The picture for the post is from here.
0053
Like Loading...
10 Crazy Little Known Rules of Mormon Life |
10 No Drinking Hot Drinks
While Christians are happy to turn water into wine and drink until they walk out naked in tents like Noah, Mormon scriptures specifically forbid all of the most dangerous substances: alcohol , tobacco and drinks slightly above room temperature.
In most cases this "no hot drinks" rule is interpreted to mean "no coffee or tea". This might make sense if it's an anti-caffeine rule because caffeine is addictive.
But, oddly enough, this is not a rule against caffeine. The Mormon Church is fine with people consuming as much caffeine as they can handle, as long as the coffee is a little cold. They specifically stated that Coke, Pepsi, and any other forms of caffeine are perfectly fine as long as they are not heated.
9 Missionaries Can Only Play Half-Court Basketball
Mormon missionaries get all the weirdest rules. These are the people in white shirts knocking on your door and wondering if you have time to talk about the Book of Mormon. They are kind, warm-hearted and obey some incredibly strange rules.
Like the one that says they can't play basketball unless it's a half court game. The missionary rules are very clear about this: missionaries cannot play in leagues, in tournaments, or on a full-size basketball court. Even in half court basketball, they are not allowed to keep score.
So, if a missionary ever challenges you to a ball game, which actually happens a lot, invite them to a competition. Full trial and see how they react.
8 Missionaries Cannot Swim
Half-court basketball is a real luxury for these missionaries. Almost every other sport is completely banned, especially swimming. According to the missionary handbook, they "can never swim." Never.
These rules are not completely crazy. The Mormon Church is strongly opposed to all-court basketball and playing Marco Polo in local pools because they fear injury. They don't want to waste a second preaching door to door. Therefore, they do everything possible so that their missionaries do not suffer.
7 Missionaries Can Only Call Home Twice a Year
Missionaries can't see their families either. If they want to talk to them, they'll have to wait until Christmas because Mormon missionaries are only allowed to call home twice a year—on Christmas and on Mother's Day.
Those white shirt boys knocking on your door. not allowed to do anything else. They start at 9:30 every day except Sunday and don't stop until 9:30 pm. Everything else, including their parents, is a distraction.
When they make their only call, they must finish the phone in 30 minutes. This is the only contact they receive. Their families are not even allowed to visit.
6 No Eating Meat In The Summer
Most Mormons don't even know about this rule. Officially, Mormons are considered almost entirely vegetarian. The Mormon scriptures clearly state that meat “must not be eaten only in winter, cold or famine.”
Not really. If you invite a Mormon to a barbecue, he will probably eat as many cheese steaks as everyone else. But this does not mean that his family is experiencing a terrible famine, which he is too polite to talk about. Simply because, like the biblical rule "not to mix wool with linen" in Deuteronomy 22:11, it is not very often followed.
But this is definitely the rule. The main Mormon leader, Brigham Young, upheld the rule and ordered his followers to touch meat only during times of famine. Nearly every other major Mormon leader supported this as well. So the next time a Mormon friend walks by, pass him a veggie burger.
5 Keep Three Months’ Worth Of Food Stockpiled At All Times
As proud as the Boy Scouts are of their “always be prepared” motto, they say nothing about Mormons. The church tells its followers that they live in turbulent times and must rely on their own strength in case of emergency - be it an apocalypse or a personal tragedy.
Every church has a contingency plan ready for its ward. to keep church members safe in the event of a disaster. People are also expected to be ready. The Church instructs each member to have a temporary shelter ready with a three-month supply of food that they eat daily.
4 No Oral Sex
The original Mormon faith was hardly a hypocrite faith. Joseph Smith had 34 wives and it is commonly believed that they played cribbage together. However, over time, the religion began to change, and by the 1970s, it began to fight hard against sexual immorality.
The Church officially declared oral sex to be "an unnatural, unclean, or unholy practice"—and it wasn't just a rule for horny teenagers. Married husbands and wives were forbidden to please each other under the sheets in their private homes. They could not even set foot in a Mormon temple unless they repented and put an end to their perverted ways.
Mormons would not tolerate this, and the oral sex rule was abolished within a few years. .
3 No Moving During Sex
This is more of a loophole. Some time ago, a rumor spread that students at Brigham Young University (BYU), America's premier Mormon university, had found a way to get around the rules against premarital sex by doing what they called "soaking. "
This is how "soaking" works. First, the boy very carefully sits inside the woman. Then they do nothing. Generally. And that's all the steps.
The couple is just sitting, "marinating," as one person put it. They do not move, trying not to damage the hymen. They believe that while he's intact, they haven't technically had sex.
The church does not in any way approve of "soaking". But apparently a few years ago it was more than Pokemon Go at BYU. At least those are rumors. The story, first circulated by a TMZ reporter, has never been picked up by the major news outlets, making it a bit suspicious. However, unofficially, BYU students have confirmed this story on message boards and websites all over the internet.
2 No Criticizing The Leadership
Photo Source: Daily Mail
If a Mormon has trouble with any of these rules, he welcomes his opinion—as long as he keeps it to himself. A Mormon who writes articles or makes public statements against the church can get in a lot of trouble, and the church is ready to stop them.
The church has a committee called the Committee to Strengthen Church Members. which is sort of like the Mormon version of the NSA. They spend all their time reviewing and keeping files on every member of the church—especially everything they write.
If a member is caught criticizing the leadership, the committee notifies their bishop, who must confront the person about it. They sit down and try to get the member to stay in line - or otherwise. If a member does not comply, he can pay for it in more ways than just excommunication. It is alleged that people lost their jobs because they were against the church.
1 Lying Is Okay - Lying Is Okay
Mormons Can Actually do little but lie. They share the Ten Commandments with Christians, Muslims, and Jews, but this commandment against false witness doesn't really have the same basis in Mormonism as it does in other religions.
At least one Mormon. claimed that Mormons were brought up "with the idea that it's okay to lie, as long as it's for a higher reason.
6 percent from beyond the arc. Barcello steps into the role of being BYU’s most experienced leader within the program. “The Bulldog,” as players and coaches refer to him, will now have plays designed for him within the offense, along with being one of the Cougars’ top defensive players.
A former Weber State signee out of American Fork High School, Johnson is a combo guard who has made significant leaps forward on the defensive end.
Harding was a sharpshooter burying 44 percent of his three-point attempts last season coming off the bench. Only entering his junior season, Harding could play some point guard, or the two and three spots. He’s a versatile player like Toolson was, and now he has an opportunity to take a big leap forward in his game.
co/12JbkQdh5L pic.twitter.com/5a4Yn7BflX
Hunter Erickson is one of those guys that people are sleeping on. Watching Erickson’s highlights at Timpview, he reminds me a little bit of former BYU guard Michael Vranes because of how athletic they are.
co/J2JeUVv3rS pic.twitter.com/bZHFyrHZVv
He’s currently serving his mission in Arkansas.
#BYUhoops @kslsports pic.twitter.com/Yg0UslCbZA
“They know that BYU has a fantastic locker room that’s family. They want to be a part of that.”
They understand that living to a certain standard, in some form or fashion, they had that in their personal life and they hold themselves accountable. 
They’re so excited to be here every day. That’s the part that makes it so awesome,” he said. “A lot of people that live in the United States are given so much, like shoes — we know what Gideon George is doing. They’re so grateful for everything they’ve got and they want to make the best of every single day. Education is so important to them.” 
“He’s only played the game since he was 14 or 15 years old. He weighed 175 pounds, at 6-9, when he got here. Now he’s got the body of an NBA player in terms of his size, his length, his reach and things he can do on the court. He is a true five. He’s got great length.”
He’s going to push our guys. He’s going to get beat up and come back, ready for more. I can’t wait to get him out here and get our hands on him to work with him and teach him the game.”
”
By the way, even Mitt Romney could cost his presidential career the fact that his grandfather supported polygamy 
For example, to go to Siberia for a whole year and teach English to everyone for free. 
The missionary rules are very clear about this: missionaries cannot play in leagues, in tournaments, or on a full-size basketball court. Even in half court basketball, they are not allowed to keep score. 
If they want to talk to them, they'll have to wait until Christmas because Mormon missionaries are only allowed to call home twice a year—on Christmas and on Mother's Day. 
Simply because, like the biblical rule "not to mix wool with linen" in Deuteronomy 22:11, it is not very often followed. 
" 
