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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU Basketball moves up in ESPN's early top 25 preseason poll
The BYU basketball program comes into next season as one of the "top dogs" in the Big 12. After a Sweet 16 appearance in Kevin Young's first year, the Cougars weren't happy with just being in the NCAA tournament. The loss to Alabama set many things in motion for what's about to happen in Provo. The nation's best recruit AJ Dybansta will be the cornerstone piece for BYU, along with former five-star Baylor transfer Rob Wright III, next-level shooter Kennard Davis Jr., and returning starters Richie Saunders and Keba Keita. The projected starting lineup for the Cougars is possibly the top in the country. Many outlets have agreed, ranking BYU at a top ten team in early polls. Advertisement ESPN's insider Jeff Borzello updated his early preseason Top 25 with BYU cracking the top five. "All eyes will be on Provo, Utah, next season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives in college to suit up for the Cougars," Borzello wrote. "How has Kevin Young built around Dybantsa? Teaming him up with high-level scorer Richie Saunders on the wing was a great start, and landing Robert Wright III at point guard was a boost. That trio should be one of the country's most explosive on the offensive end." Young has set a new standard after coming over from the Phoenix Suns. BYU has been flipped into a true NBA-ready program with big expectations. Better recruiting efforts, keeping key talents, and developing a solid approach has been the difference. But the national spotlight burns bright with many seeing the Cougars as the team to beat in the Big 12. Related: BYU Basketball goes viral after conference announces all-academic honors There was a lot Young gave up in Phoenix. He was the highest-paid assistant in the NBA, but still kept a good relationship with players in the league. New BYU athletic director Brian Santiago will try to keep Young at BYU, even if the NBA comes calling. Advertisement Related: Where ESPN ranked BYU's offseason against Big 12 rivals 'I'm hoping that Kevin Young sees everything that's happening here, and for all of these student athletes that we've brought to BYU, that this is the right place for him and his family,' Santiago said. 'So that we can move forward with confidence, and everybody knows we're ready to go.' Related: New BYU AD reveals top priority for next year and beyond Young comes as the next wave in the second-degree from Gregg Popovich's coaching tree. He was an assistant to Brett Brown with the Philadelphia 76ers, who spent a decade with Pop in San Antonio. Brown returned for his second stint with the Spurs in 2022.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU Basketball turns heads with new era in Provo
BYU kicks off 2025-26 basketball season with elite recruits, veteran leadership, and a Top 5 national ranking — fans are already buzzing. It wasn't just another Monday at the Marriott Center Annex — it was the beginning of a new era for BYU basketball. With hype building around the Cougars' highest preseason ranking in program history, fans finally got their first look at what's being called one of the most talented rosters in college hoops. Kevin Young Sets the Tone Advertisement Head coach Kevin Young wasted no time establishing expectations for the season. In BYU's first summer practice, Young focused less on scheme and more on identity. 'Individually, get better. The team stuff is gonna come over time,' he said in a behind-the-scenes video posted to BYU's social channels. 'Now we want to get our identity with this group of talent we assembled.' With NCAA rules allowing eight weeks of summer workouts, BYU's staff has a crucial runway to blend new faces with proven veterans. AJ Dybantsa Makes His Debut All eyes were on 6-foot-9 freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa, who officially hit the court wearing No. 23. The nation's No. 1 overall recruit, Dybantsa brings pro-level length, athleticism, and scoring instincts to Provo. Dybantsa is expected to be a one-and-done prospect — but BYU fans are hoping it's a historic year. His first practice marks a major milestone in BYU's transformation into a national contender. Advertisement Richie Saunders Returns for One Last Run While newcomers drew headlines, it was the return of veteran guard Richie Saunders that provided stability. The First Team All-Big 12 standout surprised many by forgoing the NBA Draft and committing to one more season. Saunders' leadership and two-way play give BYU a foundation to build around — and he's clearly embracing the challenge. Along with Dybantsa and Saunders, BYU also has freshman big Xavier Staton, and stud transfers Rob Wright, and Kennard Davis to lean on. The Energy Is Real BYU basketball isn't easing into the season — it's charging forward with national expectations, elite talent, and a hungry coaching staff. For Cougar fans, the countdown to tipoff just got real. Advertisement Related: AJ Dybantsa shares heartwarming moment with his mom before BYU journey Related: BYU to face ACC opponent at Jimmy V Classic
