In the beginning of the season, expectations for BYU’s performance in the Big 12 Conference were modest. The team struggled initially, dropping four of its first six conference matchups.
Nonetheless, BYU turned the tide dramatically, securing victories in 11 of their last 13 regular-season contests, including a strong eight-game winning streak. This impressive run propelled the Cougars to the Big 12 Tournament semifinals, where they were eventually bested by Houston. However, their efforts earned them a 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, setting them up to face 11 seed VCU in the opening round.
First-year coach Kevin Young noted that after overcoming their initial setbacks, the team grew in patience, toughness, and resilience, translating these qualities into improved offensive execution. “That’s where we’ve been able to move the needle,” Young remarked.
Off the court, BYU’s recruiting efforts were significantly bolstered by contributions from alumni donors, including high-profile names like Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith. This support enabled the Cougars to attract top-tier talent, drawing Richie Saunders and Dallin Hall back to the team after they briefly entered the transfer portal. The recruitment of potential NBA lottery pick Egor Demin and impactful transfers Keba Keita and Mawot Mag further strengthened the roster.
Perhaps the season’s standout recruiting success was the acquisition of AJ Dybantsa, the school’s inaugural consensus five-star recruit and a projected top pick in the upcoming draft. With these enhancements, BYU aims to carry their regular-season momentum into the NCAA Tournament. Optimism is high among the players. Forward Fousseyni Traore stated, “I feel like everything is clicking at the right time. I believe in this team. I think we can make a big run. We’re going to shock a lot of people. I do believe that.”
Historically, the Cougars have made it to the Sweet 16 just once since 1981 and have yet to reach the Final Four in their 31 tournament appearances. But this year’s team feels poised to change that narrative. “We feel like we’ve been one of the best teams in the country,” Young expressed. Competing in the challenging Big 12 Conference has prepared them well, as they face top-tier teams consistently.
Key to their success is Richie Saunders, who has developed from a role player into BYU’s leading scorer, earning accolades as the Big 12’s most-improved player. His scoring surged to 16.0 points per game on 51.4% shooting, up from 9.6 the previous season. Saunders, named to the All-Big 12 first team, is known for his energetic play, quick decision-making, and ability to create opportunities, evident in his impressive 43.7% shooting from beyond the arc. “He doesn’t get deterred,” Young commented. “He has an uncommon motor.”
BYU has cultivated a reputation as a formidable perimeter team since joining the Big 12. They led all power conference schools with an average of 10.6 3-pointers per game and converted 37% of their total attempts from deep. However, the Cougars are not solely reliant on their shooting prowess. They effectively attacked the basket when their perimeter game was off, as demonstrated in crucial victories over West Virginia and Utah.
Dallin Hall noted the increased dynamism of the team this year, stating, “Last year, when we’d have off-shooting nights – teams would really try to take the 3 away – we’d struggle a little bit. I think this year, we’re a lot more dynamic. We have a lot of options.” The team has benefitted from its depth and versatility, becoming a challenging matchup for many defenses. Young often utilizes an 11-man rotation, ensuring fresh legs and strategic flexibility. Key players Saunders and Demin lead in scoring averages, but scoring contributions come from multiple sources.
“We had a lot of guys that just stayed ready over the course of the year, which has been big for us,” guard Dawson Baker noted. The team’s adaptability in playing time, matchups, and lineups throughout the season has been crucial in finding ways to secure victories.
