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I can’t help but make a comparison between Kenna Young and Travis Hansen. I’m not talking about their style of play. I’m not talking about the number of points they score. I’m not talking about their looks. I’m talking about my opinion about them as a player at BYU.

I remember just after my mission I took a girl to the BYU basketball game against some no name opponent who BYU slaughtered. The girl I took to the game played basketball in High School and obviously had a better eye than me, because she commented on how she really liked that Hansen kid (although I really think she just thought Travis was good looking). I was honestly surprised that she said that, because I watched him play and was not impressed by his play at all. I can’t remember what he did, but I do remember wondering why BYU had given him a scholarship.

Well, I think we all know what happened with that story. Travis really flourished into a leader of the team. He earned my respect as a player, a leader and a scorer. I always felt good when he had the ball in his hands and needed to make a play. When that year was over, I was sad to see Travis go. He was a fun player to watch.

That brings my story to Keena Young. I think the first time I saw him play was when I watched him play against BYU-Hawaii. I was working for BYU-Hawaii at the time and was lucky enough to have made the trip from Hawaii to see the game in Provo. In fact, I think it was my son’s first BYU Basketball game. However, I digress. Watching Keena Young just frustrated the heck out of me. He was making poor decisions, couldn’t make easy shots and was a disappointment for me.

Well, this year I’m starting to change my mind about Keena Young. I’m not sure he’ll ever have the same leadership qualities that I found so endearing in Travis, but I’ve been impressed with Keena’s ability to score this year. He’s starting to grow on me. Let’s hope at the end of Keena’s time at BYU I’ll remember him as highly as I remember Travis Hansen.

I’ve been meaning to post a little something highlighting some of the various Las Vegas bowl activities that are happening this week. Here’s the highlights from the BYU Athletics website:

Cougar Club members can join BYU fans in five pre-bowl activities prior to the Dec. 21 Las Vegas Bowl, which kicks off at 5 p.m. via ESPN television.

The first team fireside will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the Black Mountain Stake Center, 801 Arrowhead Trail, in Henderson.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., is the Fremont Street Experience Las Vegas Bowl Pep Rally under a canopy as players, coaches, bands, cheerleaders, and mascots join fans from both programs to show who has the most school spirit. Free and open to the public.

On both Wednesday, Dec. 20 from noon to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m., to 1 p.m. is the Cougar Caravan. Take the second Mesquite exit (#120) to Mesquite Ford/Lincoln/Mercury (just off I-15 South, look for the blue and white balloons). The BYU Bookstore, BYU Dining Services, and the Cougar Club are providing FREE BYU Growl Towels (available to the first 1,500 fans), FREE BYU Creamery Ice Cream (available to the first 1,500 fans), and FREE BYU Flags (one per car, 300 available). The BYU Bookstore will also be selling the best selection of Official BYU Merchandise in Nevada! Restrooms available at the dealership.

On Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m., at the Redrock Stake Center, located at 10550 Alta Drive is the second team fireside.

Third, there is a CougarTown Tailgate at the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec., 21, beginning at 2 p.m. The cost for the buffet line is $20, but purchase must be made before Dec. 18.

I’m looking at going to the Fremont Street Experience for the BYU Las Vegas Bowl Pep Rally. The fireside and the Cougar Caravan sounds fun, but we’ll have to see if I can make it at those times. One thing I don’t understand is why the Cougar Caravan is on Wednesday. Why not do a caravan on Thursday before the game and everyone drive to the game together? Seems like a better idea, but maybe I’m missing something.

Either way, I’m ready for Thursday. The forecasters here are showing some chilly temperatures that day. That nice BYU blanket my wife bought me a while ago is going to come in really handy Thursday.

Go Cougars!!