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What BYU coach Kevin Young said about playing in front of Jimmer Fredette and Danny Ainge

The Cougars were well represented in Denver.

(John Leyba | AP) BYU guard Dallin Hall, back, shoots over Virginia Commonwealth guard Joe Bamisile during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Denver.

(John Leyba | AP) BYU guard Dallin Hall, back, shoots over Virginia Commonwealth guard Joe Bamisile during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Denver.

  | March 21, 2025, 12:00 p.m.

Denver • Never mind any bad memories Kevin Young had about facing Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray here, the first-year BYU basketball coach was thrilled when he found out his team was heading to the Mile High City for March Madness.

He knew it would mean more blue in the stands.

“I definitely felt the crowd,” Young said after BYU’s 80-71 win over VCU on Thursday afternoon. “That was one of the reasons I was happy we got this draw to come to Denver. There’s a lot of blue everywhere we play … but I’m glad that the guys put on a winning effort for all the fans that were able to get here.”

BYU’s crowd advantage was evident from the jump. Every time the Cougars made a run, there were chants of “B-Y-U” throughout the arena. In brief moments VCU fans made their presence felt, it was drowned out by a sea of blue.

BYU fans filled the allotted fan section behind the bench and took up most of the upper deck. Along both baselines, BYU fans bought pods of seats.

The Cougars were playing 521 miles away from Provo. VCU was 1,600 miles away.

“We love it,” guard Richie Saunders said. “It happens to us all the time. We don’t take it for granted, but we love it. Everywhere we go, there’s a lot of blue. Today was no exception.”

Among those in attendance were BYU basketball legends Jimmer Fredette and Danny Ainge.

“Those guys are awesome. They love BYU,” Young said. “That’s one thing I think that is super unique about BYU, there’s so much passion from our fans, the alumni. It’s something that I knew about just the fans, but I didn’t factor in just all the alumni. So many good athletes that have been through BYU. Danny is a great resource. I pick his brain often. Jimmer is a guy that reached out the second I got the job. To have that support from those types of guys is incredible.”

Young also spotted NFL veteran and former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill in the crowd.

“The list goes on and on,” Young said.

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