He ran into Jake Toolson and TJ Haws in the training room recently, and both professionals one with the SLC Stars in the G League and the other after a rookie season in Poland told him they wished they had another year of college basketball. 25 on the program's all-time scoring list. [9] He registered three double-digit scoring games, opened the season with seven points and three rebounds in 15 minutes against Houston Baptist (11/17). It was hard on me just because, being in the Corona del Sol basketball program we arent used to losing, Alex said. 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 . Its an environment that I feel like I should be in. That created another challenge. Alex Barcello International Stats Position: Guard 6-2 , 192lb (188cm, 87kg) Born: August 31, 1998 (Age: 24-216d) in Phoenix, Arizona us International More International Pages Players Teams Leaders Israeli Basketball Premier League Lega Basket Serie A Basketbol Sper Ligi VTB United League Alex Barcello Overview Game Logs 2022-23 - GBL On this page: The Chandler, Ariz., native credited the coaching staff and his teammates, along with his now-fiance, with helping him come to this decision. 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. Actually, 5-foot-11 freshman guard Amanda Barcello redshirted for the Cougars last year after suffering a thumb injury in practice and undergoing surgery. Against Cal State Fullerton, Barcello hit 7 of 9 shots from the floor, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range while contributing three steals, two assists and two blocked shots, a harbinger of what he would be providing this season. Second baseman Andrew Pintar received the highest honor among his teammates, being named West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about guard Alex Barcello on ESPN. Ill just say sorry who won this year? Its very competitive.. Then me deciding to come back, it was the cherry on top, he said. I worked even harder in the summer. Once my injury happened and I went through the surgery process and waiting, it was really tough, she said. Due to the pandemic, Barcello is a super senior and his scholarship wont count against the programs 13 scholarships. With Sarah having just completed her sophomore season and a youngest sister still in seventh grade, that domination might continue for years to come. We still had a really great season, Barcello said. The list of accolades and achievements the 6-foot-2, 192-pound Barcello racked up in his three seasons at BYU is significant. For Pope, Barcellos return is a major development, especially for a young team. "I've never won a game at BYU without Alex Barcello, and I would like to not have to try for another year. Alexs Corona del Sol team was upset early despite entering the tournament as the top seed. Check out the highlights that should make fans excited about Steven Ashworth transferring to Creighton. We just got engaged. And for her to go through that and the roles are reversed, where she got to experience it and get a championship, but then Alex obviously for the first time experienced losing and not getting that.. For Alex Barcello, hes enjoying this fresh start, which he knows will have enduring consequences. Without her, he probably never stays, either, the point guard confirmed. What he's saying to his team is how much he cares about them. Her first year in Provo hasnt always been easy; being unable to play last year was difficult. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. As Barcello stepped back behind the 3-point line and rose up to shoot, the Cougars bench rose in unison. This year the roles were reversed, and he had to watch his sister win. We have concepts that we play with offensively, we have set plays but theres a lot of freedom within the concepts that we play with offensively. Young Kwak, Associated Press We need to fill roles on the court. Former Notre Dame men's basketball coach Mike Brey will join coach Quin Snyder's staff on the Hawks next season, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski. Send a note . BYUs Amanda Barcello poses during a photo shoot in Provo. Alex Barcello is putting up elite numbers. I keep an eye on enough discussion boards and Facebook groups to know that most times fans turn a little on those who leave early feeling as if they were betrayed by a player they became so invested in. "[2] Shelli "was the leading rebounder and second-leading scorer on Canyon del Oro's undefeated state championship girls team in 198687. He shot 52.3% from the field, including 47.7% from 3-point range. Its a lot different environment than where he was at. Two great things happening in my life. We were very happy for Sarah, Edward said. Last January, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said, Alex Barcello is the best shooter in the country. Did some Cougars quit on their teammates and coaches in 2022? The size of the stage may vary, but his impact on the team and its ability to win has been constant.. Barcello came to Provo from a toxic environment, both with the team and personally. Efficient, tough, strong, aggressive, controlled fire. View this post on Instagram It has beautiful beaches, she said. For people that know the game, he looks like his minutes are big-time minutes on the floor. "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's two great things happening in my life, but I could not be more happy to spend the rest of my life with her.". 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. After spending two checkered seasons in Tucson, Barcello arrived in Provo in August 2019 as a transfer. I thought it would be a very good fit for him. His legacy will move forward: What impact has Alex Barcello had on BYU basketball? He has another gear where he can get there really fast. Questions about Sports360AZ's reporting, wanting to submit your stories, or curious about advertising opportunities? Chance Westry, a highly regarded prospect who redshirted his freshman year at Auburn, is joining incoming coach Adrian Autry at Syracuse. He is also 20th all-time in assists. Players dont owe anyone anything, but I am glad to see Barcello stay. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound juniors collegiate journey began with being a member of the ESPN Top 100 recruiting class in 2017 to being weighed down by frustration and disillusionment at Arizona, one of the most prominent hoops programs in the country. I wanted to see myself put on that jersey and play in front of those crowds. Its such a phenomenal environment to be in, he said. Not surprisingly, Alex influenced Amandas decision to commit to the Cougars. Barcello proposed to Zoe four years and seven months to the day after they started dating. From the oldest sister, Julia, who won three championships with Seton Catholic and now plays at Colgate, to brother Alex, whos got two titles already and is hungry for his third this coming season, to younger sister Sarah, who won her first this month with Seton Catholic, the Barcellos have dominated upper-division high school basketball this decade. Ive never won a game, coaching at BYU, without Alex Barcello. [2], Barcello played varsity basketball all four years at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona to win two state championship titles. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior made the announcement on the Friday evening before Memorial Day weekend, appearing with BYU coaches at a fathers and sons basketball camp in the Smith Fieldhouse, surrounded by hundreds of campers chanting "one more year" in unison with head coach Mark Pope. Barcello is the best player on the Cougars' roster. Speaking of loyalty, BYU football recently released its Gameday T-shirt an annual tradition for the upcoming season. Its a long offseason, but its a chance for both star players to improve their games even more. According to NJ.com, Zach Wilson has had mixed results through the first half of OTAs. Nobody will have masks on. I thought that was the perfect time to do it. Additionally, he led the Cougars in scoring both of his final two years, and is 25th all-time in school history in the statistic. I fit him as a coach, basketball-wise, and he fits me as a player in terms of how he wants to approach this game. I couldnt pass up on another year.. [16], In his sophomore season at Arizona, he played in 30 of 32 games for the Wildcats. PROVO Alex Barcello's biggest impact in BYU's gritty 95-87 double-overtime win over Pacific came long before he scored 23 points, or shot 7 of 11 from the field, or made 9 of 10 free throws . So Alex brought a certain mentality, a certain work ethic, a certain leadership style. For what we wanted to accomplish, we didnt make it. Its a surreal feeling. Another person that played a big role in helping him through the process was, of course, Zoe, his fiancee. Especially during their high school season I want to do as much as I can for them and talking to the coaches and handling all that, and then every now and then theyll say hello, but I try to tell them theyre focused and they want to do as best they can.. He wants to play in the NBA, or any other league where he can get regular playing time in the sport he loves. The record book already shows him as holding the current record for 3-point percentage (48.1%) and effective field goal percentage (61.5%). They were like, youve got to sign this. 25 on the programs all-time scoring list. 2 Alex Barcello, 6-2, PG, So. He started in all 94 games he played in as a Cougar after transferring from the University of Arizona where he played two seasons. 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. Giving back an NCAA bid is the least he could do, Sometimes BYU basketball staff misses on a transfer, but that helped lead to rare twice portal-bound Te'Jon Lucas, How Conner Mantz and other Utah runners finished at 127th Boston Marathon, College basketball transfer tracker: Steven Ashworth commits to Creighton, Charlotte's Aly Khalifa commits to BYU, and 5 other transfers Cougars have targeted, Defensive starters get better of offense in BYU's clear-skied spring scrimmage. "The whole evening was a movie. He shot 85.6% from the free-throw line. (Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brigham Young Cougars forward Gideon George (5) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Alex Barcello (13) walk off the court after the win as the Utah Utes host BYU, NCAA basketball in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. BYU guard Alex Barcello passes to Atiki Ally Atiki during a game against Northern Iowa in Provo on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Overall, shes enjoyed her time in Provo. Brigham Young Cougars guard Taylor Maughan (13), guard Jake Toolson (5) and guard Alex Barcello (4) celebrate as they lead over the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. Contract released: What is new Utah assistant mens basketball coach Chris Burgess salary. All Rights Reserved, How Arizona transfer Alex Barcello became an extraordinary fit for BYU basketball, season opener against Cal State Fullerton, Change may be on the way for the transfer portal and college football recruiting, Heres when Utah ties are headed to NFL rookie minicamps, How have BYU players drafted since 2000 fared in the NFL? I was just happy for him, said his father, Edward. He became well-loved from the first day. [6], In his junior season, in the state tournament, Barcello surpassed 1,000 points in only his second varsity season. Hes good. Alex found a home in Provo after transferring from Arizona in 2019. [17] He erupted for 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting in 13 minutes against Georgia Southern (11/29). Part of Barcellos value to BYU has been his ability to impact a game in ways that dont show up in the box score. I would like to not have to try for another year. Alex Barcello is so grateful toward BYU that he decided to come back. Its a sign that were headed back to a normal season experience. He can get wherever he wants to on the floor. Hes an extraordinary fit. ESPN's Jay Bilas . "These are two of the greatest things to happen in my life," said Barcello, who announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Zoe Simpson on Thursday. All Rights Reserved, Heres where former BYU star Alex Barcello will begin his professional hoops career, What Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said about BYU transfer Caleb Etienne. What he's saying to himself as how much he believes in him, that he can keep getting better and really make a push at his dream to be an NBA basketball player," Pope said. His shooting splits were 48.8% from the field, 44.4% from the 3-point line and 87.3% from the free throw line ever so close to the 50-40-90 efficiency that only the purest shooters ever achieve. Shes a really good defender and shes a knock-down shooter, Whiting said. A guy who was willing to do everything that the team needed whether that was scoring, rebounding, locking up one of their best offensive players, whether thats just communicating to guys on the court and leading them.. And then what he does in the locker room and his leadership are so incredible. Gonzaga's Corey Kispert made the first team and. BYU Photo 1 2018 player Marvin Bagley III, who later transferred. BYU basketball has a new prospect to monitor for the class of 2041. Edward Barcello is happy his son received a second chance in his college career and is making the most of it. Im extremely blessed., Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. BYU was a breath of fresh air for Barcello. So how does a reigning champ treat a disappointed older brother whos never lost before? So Im super excited about that.. Reading or replaying the story in its Barcello, with Zoe at his side, sported a million-dollar grin. Alexander Barcello (born August 31, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for Filou Oostende of the BNXT League. Before Barcellos announcement, Pope told the crowd that Barcello had just gotten engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Zoe Simpson. Its more about family and there are a lot of players that are married and have kids. Were really similar. Opened his collegiate career with a strong three-game run of 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 58.3 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three-point range. What Utah college basketball players have entered the transfer portal? 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. 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. Heading into the WCC Tournament, Barcello had a 65-24 overall record. If theres one characteristic BYU fans love most about the student-athletes that come to Provo, Id say its loyalty. Barcello's fellow Cougar, Paisley Harding, will play in Germany for the GiroLive-Panthers Osnabrck in the Toyota 1st Women's Basketball Bundesliga. Its the happiest time of my life right now., Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. But before Barcello could call Pope and make it official, there was one thing he had to do. But Ambers done a great job of guiding me and helping me through it all and encouraging me. Today, theres only one champ in the house, and its Sarah. BYU football is adding a starting offensive line transfer from Big 12 country, Steven Ashworth has made a decision on where hell play next year, How Conner Mantz and other BYU alumni fared in the Boston Marathon. Did some Cougars quit on their teammates and coaches in 2022? All rights reserved. Hes been everything to BYU basketball. BYU football is adding a starting offensive line transfer from Big 12 country, Steven Ashworth has made a decision on where hell play next year, How Conner Mantz and other BYU alumni fared in the Boston Marathon. Arizonas a great program. Hes fit in really well and its been fun to have him here., Hes been a perfect fit for us and I think weve been a perfect fit for him, too. Thats surreal. And it was devastating for her because she had seen her two siblings win, and win often, and she wanted it so bad. He appealed to the NCAA to waive the rule that requires transfers to sit out one year before becoming eligible. Hes a religious guy and he seems interested. On 28 May 2021, Zo revealed on her Instagram that Alex asked her to be his girlfriend after school on 20 October 2016. I didnt know it was a thing when I was talking to them, he recalled. Its such a huge blessing for us to have Alex. [20] He scored 12 points in 18 minutes at Utah (2/14/19). web browser that But now she's ready to make an impact. "Only one team makes it to the national championship every year, and we weren't one of them. Barcello assimilated into the BYU basketball culture and the campus culture almost seamlessly. He takes the most shots, and conversations about the state of the team ultimately surround how well he plays. And when it comes to Barcello solidifying his BYU legacy, there might still be time. I just want to be known as a guy that gave it his all every time he stepped out on the floor, Barcello said. [9], Barcello was considered as one of the best players in the 2017 recruiting class by Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN. [14] He opened his collegiate career with a strong three-game run of 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 58.3 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three-point range. Barcello received 28 scholarship offers before signing with national powerhouse Arizona and coach Sean Miller. He may have an even bigger impact off the court, being a friend and a great teammate to all of us.. 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.. Only time will tell if were almost done with this pandemic, but at least Cougar fans can get a new shirt to wear now that were all going out more these days. Criddle believes he may even be in the top five of the last 25 years. The style of play that they were telling me and the stats they pulled up from Arizona and telling me how they would use me here, I was like, Man, thats where I feel like I can be successful, he said. BYU basketball has a new prospect to monitor for the class of 2041. 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. Alex and Zo have been falling for each other deeply in love ever since then. Thats a real gift for us, Pope said. I got it at the beginning of the season, he said. I felt like I owed it to the coaching staff, all the people here, my teammates, the fans; it just speaks to how amazing this team is. I feel like I do fit here perfectly.. Its such a blessing.. An extra ordinary championship Saturday for one Arizona family, With Benson gone, Barcello prepared to take the wheel, Next In Line: Sarah Barcello Hopes To Continue Familys State Title Success, Final High School Hoops Takeaways For The 2014-15 Season. After redshirting last season due to an injury, Amanda Barcello, the sister of former BYU sharpshooter Alex Barcello, is excited to get after it in 2022-23. Is Steve Young one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time? He's shooting 74.1% from the field, 61.5% from three, and 100% at the free-throw line. We just have to get after it.. Edward reports shes got interest from big nearby schools like Arizona State and Oregon State, but also from top academic institutions like Princeton and Yale. And just like Alex, Julia lost her junior season. But LaComb is confident. But there hasnt been a question that its the perfect place for him. Clearly, as Cougar Nation knows, he helped us win a lot of games. It just didnt feel like the right fit. Hes quickly become a best friend to almost everyone on the team. Since 2011, theres been only one year where there wasnt at least one state champion living in the Barcello house. We anticipate that the upperclassmen, in their own way, will need to fill leadership roles. He averaged 24.2 points, 3.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. (Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brigham Young Cougars guard Alex Barcello (13), celebrates the Cougars 79-59 win over the Loyola Marymount Lions, in WCC basketball action at the Marriott Center in Provo, on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. but is now known as Kolossos H Hotels for sponsorship reasons. I believe he has the opportunity to achieve his goals, he said. Barcello is BYU's unquestioned leader and currently the best player as a 5th-year senior. BYU men's basketball All-American Alex Barcello has earned an invitation to play in the 68th annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament which is set to take place in on April 13-16 in Portsmouth . But none were a bigger influence than Simpson. I strive to be the best person I can be every single day. But the record book will show Barcello as one of only three BYU players to make at least nine 3-pointers in a single game. The Associated Press released its college basketball All-American team Tuesday morning and BYU guard Alex Barcello was named an honorable mention. For those keeping track, Ive started on my position previews for the upcoming football season. (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brigham Young Cougars guard Alex Barcello (4) celebrates with teammates as he is substituted during the second half as BYU takes on UNLV in men's NCAA basketball at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Sat. Durrant has been watching BYU mens basketball teams for more than 40 years. only for your personal, non-commercial use. Ive seen first-hand how BYU has helped him and made Barcello happier. He earned that space last year, both on the court and in the locker room. He definitely was a really big part of it. I also feel that its a special opportunity for Alex to be at BYU, where theres so much support. They go out on the weekends. Amanda saw how well her older brother assimilated at BYU. Not only did it separate him from what had plagued him his first two collegiate seasons, but he came to a program that believed in him and gave him the opportunity to become a team leader. When he finally got the clarity to make that decision, it was perfect.. The decision was made shortly before he left, but he admits to still entertaining a few other thoughts while he was on the trip. Being here, Ive been so happy because I feel like Ive found myself again and I can be myself every single day, Barcello said. Alex, wholl be playing with the Oakland Soldiers of the EYBL this Summer, said he tries to do as much as he can to help his little sisters get better. Brad Cesmat Show. 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. With COVID, we battled a lot of adversity. He had to make his most important decision this week. Thats the knock against him.. Off the court, kind of goofy and fun. And he's a remarkable outside shooter. No. Hes a bulldog of a physical player, Pope said. I started off with what the Cougars are expected to accomplish in the fall. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. But it was clear during BYU's season opener in November that he had been reborn, in a basketball sense. Hes so good in transition. Since then, fans have watched him improve with every game. What Utah college basketball players have entered the transfer portal? It was the last time fans would see Barcellos prolific shooting in Provo. This archived news story is available Former BYU Cougars star guard Alex Barcello will formally begin his professional basketball career abroad. I have so much love for this university. It took a toll on me mentally. While the BYU mens basketball team has lost star guard Alex Barcello, a three-year starter, the womens team is adding a Barcello. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. "I really believe if I didn't have the coaching staff and players we did, I don't know if I would come back.". Hes so unique. During his decision-making process, Barcello talked to agents and NBA teams. They were thinking that its not a traditional draft-year process, theyre not going to have a couple of their camps and push my name out there and maybe wiggle my way onto a roster, teams werent sure about team workouts, he said. I dont see myself doing anything other than that.. All rights reserved. Barcellos leadership and diligence will be difficult to replace. The former Arizona player opted to take advantage of the NCAA blanket waiver that froze eligibility for fall and winter sport athletes and come back for a second senior season. I had the (engagement) ring the whole season. He fits us in terms of how we expect him to conduct himself here. So the sample size for his postseason career is small at the moment. While the Cougars posted a 20-7 record and a surprising sixth seed in the NCAA Tournament, they bowed out meekly in the first round to eventual Final Four team UCLA. "To come back and play for BYU, which is such a great university, I couldn't ask for much more. In that game, and in every game since, Barcello has displayed a defensive intensity thats contagious. He comes in and makes tough, effort plays and elevates the play of the whole team., Its crazy. "When he finally got the clarity that he needed and made that decision, it was awesome.". Before senior night in February, Pope recalled how quickly Barcello assimilated into the program after transferring from the University of Arizona in 2019. 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. He doesnt have maybe an iconic game in which hes been a part of that he was the lead protagonist. [3], As a freshman in 201314, he scored 15 points coming off the bench in the state championship game to help secure the school's third straight state title in overtime. That means Durrant has seen the likes of Danny Ainge, Nate Call, Tyler and T.J. Haws, Chase Fischer and Jimmer Fredette. Amid the uproarious celebrations, he tapped on his left wrist where a watch might be. Academics Student-Athlete of the Month for February. Ive got a bitter taste in my mouth right now still from it. Only one team makes it to win the national championship every year. Alex said he can relate to a member of another first family of their sport: Eli Manning. I really do love Alex and hes been huge on the court. I was happy for her but it was really hard on me because I wished that I couldve been playing in that game at 8:00.. 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. With BYU firmly on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament picture, its unclear if Barcello will get that chance. Still, many believe Barcello is already among the top 10 guards in BYU history. Guard Steven Ashworth committed to transfer to Creighton on Monday. I want to play at the highest level possible, Sarah said. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. I love it.. He also advanced to the finals of American Family Insurance National 3-Point Shooting Competition. I want to focus on the details with my game. I kept working but I reflected on both of my years and thought that I needed a better opportunity for myself and my goals after college. Barcello has never scored, shot, rebounded or distributed more effectively seriously, he's shooting an absurd 63 percent from 3 while being more involved than ever, ranking fourth nationally. [5] Arizona coach Miller offered Barcello a scholarship after he poured in 51 points in a game as a sophomore against Gilbert Perry and Markus Howard. [8][33][34][35], He has three younger sisters that also play basketball named Sarah, Amanda and Julia. [28], Coming into his senior season, Barcello was named to the Preseason All-West Coast Conference team. It will show him among the players with more than 1,000 points in his career. But when I got here, I felt so embraced by the coaches and the girls. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Barcello, who got married this summer (BYU head coach Mark Pope officiated the wedding), got workout invites with numerous NBA teams before the league's draft in June and played with the Toronto Raptors during summer league in Las Vegas, although he did not see much floor time. But the record book will show Barcello as one of only three BYU players to make at least nine 3-pointers in a single game. Arizona tends to get a lot of one-and-done players in its program, while BYU is the opposite. Brigham Young Cougars guard Alex Barcello (13) drops in a 3-point shot during an NIT game against Long Beach State at the Marriott Center in Provo on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Thats my guy. I'm so emotional, because it's the happiest time of my life.". Barcello averaged 16.1 points, 4.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game as a senior for the Cougars in 2020-21, helping lead BYU and second-year coach Pope to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years.