BYU will be without its second-leading returning scorer for the entirety of the 2017-18 season.
Junior Nick Emery didn't suffer a serious ligament tear or fracture in the offseason or preseason practice. He's out with a broken heart. Saturday, the university issued a release announcing the 6-2, 185-pounder has left school and will miss all of what would've been his junior season as he pieces his life back together, following a divorce.
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"I have decided to withdraw from BYU today,” Emery said in a statement. “Unfortunately, I am mentally not where I need to be in order to perform in basketball and in school this year. As it has been made known, I went through a divorce this year and it has been really difficult for me. I have confidence that I will come back stronger and better. I have every intention on coming back to BYU and representing Cougar nation on the basketball floor. I thank everyone for their love and support, especially my teammates, coaches and the BYU administration that have been an incredible support system. Go Cougs!"
Emery averaged 13 points, three rebounds and 2.4 assists while starting 33 of 34 games for the Cougars, who finished 22-12 and reached the West Coast Conference semifinals before bounced in the first round of the NIT last season. His departure leaves Cougars coach Dave Rose with just returner that averaged double-figures in scoring. Sophomore guard TJ. Haws put up 13.8 points to go along with 3.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds while shooting a team best 40.4 percent from 3-point range.
BYU hosts Mississippi Valley State in its hope opener Saturday night at 9 p.m. ET.