Kids chase the bus as Tavernari looks out the window as police cars escort the team transport. People swarm to meet them at the hotel. Of course, Tavernari likes the legion of media hanging around practice and is already working the microphones.

"I mean, the whole hype and the big deal that's surrounding us is unbelievable. And I get a lot of attention because I'm the rookie on the team," he said.

"I was gonna play with jersey No. 9, (4+5), but coach asked me to be 14. The Great Oscar Robertson played with that number, so I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. He's a legend in my country."

This is the first return home to Brazil in two years for Tavernari, and he did get a week with his parents, aunt, uncle and cousins.

Tavernari knows he came close to being the most experienced returning starter for the Cougars next season, with Trent Plaisted opting for the NBA Draft and Cummard testing the draft waters until last Sunday.

Throw that topic at Tavernari and, naturally, he's got it covered.

"I texted Lee and told him he was trying to give me a heart attack. He's the most multitalented, best all-around does-everything player I've ever played with, and I'm excited to help him get a third (MWC championship) ring," Tavernari said.

"We joke around about him being a state champ in high school and me choking at Gorman, and me being rookie of the year and him being player of the year all the time. But I'm really proud of him, like a brother, for his success during the NBA workouts and his desire to finish our dynasty together."

Really?

"We would have been a preseason Top 25 team with Trent, and the Big Three would be one of the best frontcourts in the nation," Tavernari said. "But TP had to do what he had to do, and he knows I'm happy for him.

"The only difference between not having Trent is that we might not have a Top 25 ranking and a hyped frontcourt early in the season, but by the time March comes, people will know who Chris Miles, Gavin McGregor, James Andersen and Noah Hartsock are.

"Coach Rose and the rest of the staff — Dave Rice, Terry Nashif — will have us ready," he said. "And with great guards and wings that we have, plus the support of our Cougartown folks, BYU basketball will be fun to watch once again."

Down, boy.

I asked what folks could expect to see out of his game if he returns after international experience.

"Defense. Energy. Intensity. Killer instinct. Mental toughness. Togetherness. Unselfishness. Team player," he said with his famous confidence.