The vibes are sky-high for BYU women’s basketball as they roll into Year 2 under Head Coach Lee Cummard, and for good reason: they’re bringing back a massive chunk of last season’s firepower. After an impressive 26-12 record and a WBIT championship game appearance last year, the Cougars are returning four starters and a whopping 70% of their scoring production. That’s a serious core, and it signals that BYU is ready to build on that success, big time.
Coach Cummard Is ‘Bummed,’ But The Team Chemistry Is Off The Charts
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Coach Cummard, though. He’s a self-professed Taco Bell fanatic, calling it his “go-to meal” , he even had it for dinner the night before media day! So, when BYU’s on-campus Taco Bell, a long-time staple, permanently closed in the spring, reducing Provo’s locations from four to three, Cummard was, in his own words, “bummed.” He even laughed about having a “conversation about it with some of the staff.” Hey, we’ve all been there when our favorite spot shuts down! But while his stomach might be missing some crunchwrap supremes, his team’s outlook is anything but sad.
Cummard, alongside players Delaney Gibb, Sydney Benally, and Olivia Hamlin, painted a seriously encouraging picture at Big 12 basketball media days. He’s pumped about having “most of (last year’s) group returning” and wants to use those postseason games as a springboard for Year 2. It really speaks to the locker room culture that these ladies have built. Cummard said they “all want to be here with each other and build continuity and chemistry,” and that kind of loyalty and cohesion isn’t the “norm” in college hoops these days. This unselfish, winning-focused mindset is a massive advantage.
Delaney Gibb’s New Role Will Be Wild
Leading the charge for the Cougars is Delaney Gibb, who absolutely exploded in her sophomore season. She averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors. With no seniors on the roster, this explosive guard from Canada is stepping into a new veteran leadership role, and she’s embracing it fully. Gibb isn’t just looking to score, she’s focused on being a “great playmaker” and impacting the game in “so many more ways.” Talk about taking your game to the next level!
And Gibb isn’t alone. Olivia Hamlin and Sydney Benally were solid as true freshmen a year ago. Hamlin dropped 12.9 points and snatched 1.7 steals per game, showing off her two-way skills. Benally, meanwhile, broke BYU’s freshman record for assists with a stunning 148, proving she’s got vision for days. Plus, the team is getting Kailey Woolston back on the court after her Latter-day Saint mission. As a freshman three years ago, she was a 13-point per game scorer and shot a scorching 47% from three-point range. Adding that kind of sharpshooting back into an already potent offense? Yeah, that’s going to be a problem for the rest of the league.
This BYU team is loaded with talent, experience, and a culture that screams “we’re in this together.” They’re genuinely caring about each other and just wanting to win, which is exactly what you want to see. Look for them to build significantly on their WBIT championship game run as they step into what promises to be a thrilling Year 2 under Coach Cummard.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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