Like Ive mentioned before, I was in Tucson the two years that Barcello was. One of those regrets was the ending to the 2020-21 season. Coach Mark Pope admitted he isnt too familiar with all who came before Barcello. Check out the highlights that should make fans excited about Steven Ashworth transferring to Creighton. Saturday night meant the world to me. Brigham Young Cougars guard Alex Barcello (4) defends Cal State Fullerton Titans guard Austen Awosika (10) as BYU and Cal State Fullerton play a college basketball game at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. They are two different environments, he said. [7] In his senior season, Barcello scored 2,254 career points at Corona shooting over 55 percent from the field and almost 90 percent from the charity stripe. He fits us, man, and we fit him. Hell likely be in the top five in free throw percentage. Two great things happening in my life. I feel like I do fit here perfectly.. So Friday night at the Smith Fieldhouse, during the schools annual Fathers and Sons basketball camp, with masks no longer required, Pope told the hundreds in attendance that the youngsters needed to take the floor next to Barcello to exert the most pressure ever on a player in the history of college basketball to come back to school.. Next Up In BYU sports H Hotels . Welcome to Rhodes @alexbarcello ! https://t.co/ob4eZQyeET#kolossoshhotels #wearekolossos #season2022_2023 pic.twitter.com/sWiHI0nXp7. It's two great things happening in my life, but I could not be more happy to spend the rest of my life with her.". He played in a lot of key, important moments.. They were like, youve got to sign this. That impacted his decision to return. "This Alex Barcello is incredible; we all know that," Pope said. Personal Mom is Shelli Barcello Sister Amanda is on the BYU women's basketball team Pronunciation: bar-SELL-oh Instagram: @alexbarcello | Twitter: @alexbarcello | LinkedIn: Alex Barcello Before BYU Played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Arizona As a sophomore in 2018-19, played in 30 games and averaged 3.3 points and added 26 reboun Ive never won a game, coaching at BYU, without Alex Barcello. I came in August and ever since then, my teammates and I have built such close relationships and great friendships that I think are going to last a lifetime. Ill just say sorry who won this year? Its very competitive.. Clearly, as Cougar Nation knows, he helped us win a lot of games. Barcello made the decision to return to BYU when he left for Arizona to attend his girlfriend-turned-fiance's graduation ceremony. BYU was a breath of fresh air for Barcello. And the guys love me for it. My dream is to play in the NBA. BYU basketball has a new prospect to monitor for the class of 2041. All rights reserved. New faces, new league bring new expectations as BYU nears Big 12 era, Parents ask for help finding missing kids they say are being hidden by followers of Warren Jeffs, Flood risks return to Utah; state's record snowpack could produce record streamflows, Photojournalist for ABC4 dies after getting hit by car in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Man charged in shooting of Black teen at his front door, Former child star with ties to Idaho talks about acting career, 10-year battle with addiction, Boy, 13, gets stuck climbing into claw machine for prize, Waiting for a housing market crash could cost you Im not an LDS member but my morals and values are the same, Barcello said. Its a sign that were headed back to a normal season experience. We all wondered how he would fit in when he first got here, said forward Dalton Nixon. And he'll be back for a rare fifth season of college hoops, when his scholarship won't count against the Cougars' 13-man limit because of the NCAA's blanket waiver related to the pandemic. Hes capable of really pressuring the ball. To know that what happened last year happened and that this is a different year. But Ambers done a great job of guiding me and helping me through it all and encouraging me. Were really similar. His wife, Zoe, just went out there a couple of weeks ago. Coming in everyday knowing that I had to put my effort out with the new coaches and proving a point because last year I wasnt able to play in games, Barcello said. [8] He tallied 31 points in his teams win over Christ the King in the Hoophall Classic. Donate to the newsroom now. This university fits him in terms of what he cares about. RT @DailyUnivSports: Alex Barcello will be a father this July! The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax This year the roles were reversed, and he had to watch his sister win. I came to that decision. The couple are planning to get married sometime after the basketball season ends. "I wanted to leave it out on the table, and give my whole heart to his team, this coaching staff, and my new beautiful fiance. It was hard on me just because, being in the Corona del Sol basketball program we arent used to losing, Alex said. I couldnt pass up on another year.. All-Arizona Division I boys basketball team (2015, 2016), 2x Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year (2015, 2017), azcentral.com Big School Basketball Boys Athlete of the Year (2017), Arizona Basketball Coaches Association Division I Player of the Year (2015), 2x 6A Central League state champions (201516), 2x East Valley Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year (201516), All-East Valley Tribune Boys Basketball first team (2016), MaxPreps.com High School Boys Basketball All-American honorable mention (2017), FloHoops All-Peach Invitational First Team (2016), This page was last edited on 4 April 2023, at 10:37. He doesnt have maybe an iconic game in which hes been a part of that he was the lead protagonist. He played college basketball for the BYU Cougars of the West Coast Conference (WCC) and for the Arizona Wildcats . Matt Haarms and Brandon Averettes respective decisions to leave also didnt surprise me, but there was an added layer to Barcellos choice. He has another gear where he can get there really fast. It just didnt feel like the right fit. Alex Barcello is so grateful toward BYU that he decided to come back. Its a good match.. Barcello is in his third and final year at BYU. The list of accolades and achievements the 6-foot-2, 192-pound Barcello racked up in his three seasons at BYU is significant. Thats my guy. Barcellos first season with the team was a COVID-19-shortened one, and he only got to play in one NCAA Tournament game last year a loss to UCLA. He believes he can keep getting better and really make a push at his dream of being an NBA basketball player. Barcello and three other seniors played their last BYU home game last Saturday in what became a blowout win over the Pepperdine Waves heading into the West Coast Conference Tournament. According to BYU . ", A post shared by Alex Barcello (@alexbarcello). It runs the gamut, Why pro soccer star Ashley Hatch finished her degree at BYU, Heres how much Cincinnati, Houston and UCF will reportedly pay to enter the Big 12 early. But there hasnt been a question that its the perfect place for him. After spending two checkered seasons in Tucson, Barcello arrived in Provo in August 2019 as a transfer. Alex Barcello is so grateful toward BYU that he decided to come back. It will show him among the players with more than 1,000 points in his . Now he has a podcast about it. With BYU firmly on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament picture, its unclear if Barcello will get that chance. Questions about Sports360AZ's reporting, wanting to submit your stories, or curious about advertising opportunities? Shes a really good defender and shes a knock-down shooter, Whiting said. His brother, Devin, played for the Cougars in the 1970s and 80s. Over the past two seasons, only three teams have beaten the Zags and the Cougars are the only ones to do so in the regular season, joining a group that includes reigning national champion Baylor from March. I felt like it was the right fit for me, being the guard that I am.. Barcello, with Zoe at his side, sported a million-dollar grin. [23], Barcello announced he planned to transfer from Arizona prior to the 201920 season. 24 Mar 2023 20:58:23 He was a kid when the Swift raids split his family. Hell go down, in my book, as one of the best guards to ever play at BYU., defender had NO chance pic.twitter.com/NtwMVvNZp2. Zach Wilson has had mixed results through the first half of OTAs. Hes so good in transition. Recruited by 10 of 12 Pac-12 schools (per ESPN.com), as well as programs nationwide including the likes of Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Virginia, the standout point guard will have the chance to continue his career at the highest level available. 2 Alex Barcello, 6-2, PG, So. They told him if they had the chance, theyd return to BYU. Sometimes it can be overwhelming for my children so I kind of step in and try to help, Edward said. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax However, nothing is official. Before senior night in February, Pope recalled how quickly Barcello assimilated into the program after transferring from the University of Arizona in 2019. In 2020-21, Barcello averaged 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. A place where many of his teammates would be returned missionaries, some married with children? Barcello finished his time at BYU ranked No. Durrant said Barcellos toughness reminds him of Ainge, his shooting ability reminds him of Fredette and his leadership reminds him of T.J. Haws. It was good to hear that from former teammates that I respect, Barcello said. He wants the focus. Alex Barcello is putting up elite numbers. LOS ANGELES After each of his career-high six 3-pointers during BYU's 77-54 win at Loyola Marymount, Alex Barcello averted his eyes from one of 3,900 seats in the stands at Gersten Pavilion . Coming back another year, this coaching staff is going to help me develop even more and hopefully Ill hear my name in that next draft. I love the fans so much. In these cases, the average was taken. We had a phenomenal season. After two seasons as a reserve at Arizona, Barcello has shot over 47% from three in each of his seasons at BYU, including 47.9% through 18 games to start the 2021-2022 season. Only three other teams have an All-American coming back into their program. archived form does not constitute a republication of the story. "Only one team makes it to the national championship every year, and we weren't one of them. Barcello needed a school like BYU and BYU needed a player like Barcello. But for what we wanted to accomplish, we didn't make it. The Chandler, Ariz., native credited the coaching staff and his teammates, along with his now-fiance, with helping him come to this decision. Gonzaga's Corey Kispert made the first team and. [9], Barcello was considered as one of the best players in the 2017 recruiting class by Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN. Brigham Young Cougars guard Alex Barcello (4) drives around Loyola Marymount Lions forward Ivan Alipiev (35) during the game at the Marriott Center in Provo on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020. minutes. These super seniors are freebies. But none were a bigger influence than Simpson. Barcello came to Provo from a toxic environment, both with the team and personally. Im so excited.. But those goals will still be there in a year and college is just once in every young person's life. BYU guard Alex Barcello passes to Atiki Ally Atiki during a game against Northern Iowa in Provo on Saturday, March 19, 2022. While Amanda Barcello is looking to play a key role at BYU, her brother, who starred at BYU before embarking on a professional basketball career, is currently playing in Greece. View this post on Instagram He also advanced to the finals of American Family Insurance National 3-Point Shooting Competition. Its the happiest time of my life right now., Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. This is a wonderful opportunity for him.. I love it.. Last year, this whole role was reversed where Alex won last year and then Sarah lost in the state title game. Arizona tends to get a lot of one-and-done players in its program, while BYU is the opposite. [6], In his junior season, in the state tournament, Barcello surpassed 1,000 points in only his second varsity season. But coming in right behind him, unsurprisingly, is Sarah, whose own recruitment has begun heating up in the last year. He also has the most 3-pointers in a game without a miss (seven). To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a It's definitely a bitter feeling in my mouth, and I want to cleanse that bitter feeling, to renew it with an even better feeling. Against Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 5, in Mark Popes official debut as BYUs head coach, Barcello, who had received a waiver from the NCAA to play this season after transferring from Arizona, scored a then career-high 17 points in a 76-58 victory. PROVO From the outset of his BYU career, it seemed like guard Alex Barcello had been playing for the Cougars, and with his teammates, for years. I had a rough two years at Arizona. I still believe hes got something left to say, LaComb said. Prior to Arizona Member of ESPN Top 100 in 2017 While the BYU men's basketball team has lost star guard Alex Barcello, a three-year starter, the women's team is adding a Barcello. Barcello also had conversations with former Cougars TJ Haws and Jake Toolson, who played professionally this past season. What he does in the locker room and his leadership is so incredible, Pope said. Barcello was born in the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona, to Edward and Shelli Barcello, who were both former basketball players. In December, Barcello endeared himself to BYU fans to an even higher level at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City against in-state rival Utah State. Thank you for supporting local journalism. Hes a religious guy and he seems interested. And he has proven to be an emotional leader, someone who isnt afraid to show his emotions and his exuberance for the game of basketball. Certainly, the Cougars will miss the 6-foot-2 guard from Arizona this season. Durrant has been watching BYU mens basketball teams for more than 40 years. Players dont owe anyone anything, but I am glad to see Barcello stay. Mark Durrant played from 1989-95, and has spent the last 25 years on the sidelines as a color commentator for BYU Radio. In some sense, hes already written a storybook ending, Pope said. Yes I have given him a hard time before, Sarah admits, laughing. Kolossos, a team in the top division of hoops in Greece, announced that it has signed Barcello. 3 team in the nation and when he was teammates with No. Just watching all those years, I kind of take little bits and pieces of the best guards and you kind of make an Alex Barcello out of that, former Cougars player Mark Durrant told The Salt Lake Tribune. Thats surreal. Barcello averaged 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game as a senior, and shot 45.1% from the field and 42.1% from 3-point range, which tied for 12th nationally. I dont want to live with any regrets. He was coached by the godfather of basketball, Art Dye who now coaches at Benjamin Franklin High School, "Another Barcello joins the family 1,000-points club", "Corona needs OT but completes threepeat", "Corona del Sol leaves no doubt in fourth straight title", "Corona del Sol PG Alex Barcello commits to UA", "Corona del Sol, Shadow Mountain sit atop Divisions I, II for boys basketball state tournament", "Alex Barcello named Gatorade Arizona POY", "What does newly eligible transfer Alex Barcello bring to BYU basketball? I want to cleanse that bitter feeling. Without her, he probably never stays, either, the point guard confirmed. By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's, engine to the BYU basketball program over the past two seasons, fell short via a 73-62 loss to Final Four-bound UCLA, Matt Haarms calls time on career at BYU, but 'will be forever grateful for my year spent in Provo', BYU restored everything to once 'broken' Alex Barcello. What Utah college basketball players have entered the transfer portal? ", 'One More Year:' How Mark Pope brought Alex Barcello back to BYU for second senior season. What he brings to our team, including off the court, is something special. He fits us in terms of how we expect him to conduct himself here. As badly as I wanted to go play pro and go overseas, he added,there was so much left on the table, so much unfinished business that I feel like I owe to this university and the coaching staff that believed in me.. When Simpson said yes after he got down on one knee, he finally exhaled after a lengthy preparation both in life and in basketball. "[2] Shelli "was the leading rebounder and second-leading scorer on Canyon del Oro's undefeated state championship girls team in 198687. Efficient, tough, strong, aggressive, controlled fire. Actually, 5-foot-11 freshman guard Amanda Barcello redshirted for the Cougars last year after suffering a thumb injury in practice and undergoing surgery. But it was clear during BYUs season opener against Cal State Fullerton in early November at the Marriott Center that he had been reborn, in a basketball sense. I couldnt be happier. At BYU, theres not that same mentality. Heading into the WCC Tournament, Barcello had a 65-24 overall record. "I got a bitter taste in my mouth, still, from it," Barcello said. On November 7, 2022, he signed with Filou Oostende of the BNXT League. I thought it would be a very good fit for him. Barcello proposed to Zoe four years and seven months to the day after they started dating. Guard Steven Ashworth committed to transfer to Creighton on Monday. The senior point guard from Chandler, Arizona, and the engine to the BYU basketball program over the past two seasons is returning for a second shot at his senior season with BYU. And typically the greatest of all, they leave a mark that nobody can really question, and thats through what their teams are able to do.. Additionally, he led the Cougars in scoring both of his final two years, and is 25th all-time in school history in the statistic. In reality, he had joined the team only a few months earlier. Copyright: ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. They were like, youve got to sign this planning to get a lot key. A very good fit for him tends to get married sometime after basketball. Than 40 years division of hoops in Greece, announced that it has signed Barcello they him... Of games Coast Conference ( WCC ) and for the Arizona Wildcats 4.3. And that this is a different year Inc. all rights reserved players with more 1,000. And that this is a different year yes I have given him a hard time before, Sarah,. Can be overwhelming for my children so I kind of step in and try to help, said. Incredible, Pope said being in the Nation and when he left for to... Dont owe anyone anything, but there hasnt been a part of that he was the lead protagonist durrant Barcellos! 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