A New Search for a Cornerstone
Brigham Young University’s basketball program is once again scanning the transfer market for a dominant interior presence after a high‑profile recruitment slipped away. The Cougars missed out on Croatian center Michael Ruzic, leaving a void that head coach Kyle Whittingham hopes to fill before the upcoming season.
In the search, BYU has turned its focus to a 7‑foot‑5 Chinese big man named Xu Xin, who currently plies his trade in the Chinese Basketball Association. Xin’s statistical line — 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks across 43 CBA appearances — has drawn interest not only from the Cougars but also from Ohio State, making the two schools the front‑runners in his recruitment.
The Chinese Prospect
What sets Xin apart is his reputation as a rim protector who can also contribute offensively in the paint. His combination of size, timing and rebounding instincts aligns with the traditional expectations of a starting center in the NCAA, and his availability has sparked a recruiting battle that could reshape the Cougars’ frontcourt.
Beyond Xin, BYU’s staff has also reached out to San Diego transfer Assane Diop, a forward/center who posted 5.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in just 18 minutes per game last season while shooting 41 percent from three‑point range. The French big man Jahel Trefle, standing 6‑foot‑10, is another name on the radar, with the player reportedly maintaining connections to several high‑major programs.
A Broader Landscape
The recruitment chase does not exist in isolation. Other institutions such as Louisiana State, Villanova, Purdue, North Carolina State, the University of North Carolina, the University of San Diego, the University of Arkansas and several others have also been mentioned in the same breath, underscoring a competitive environment that stretches across the country.
For BYU, the stakes are clear. Securing a reliable starting big man could determine the trajectory of the team’s campaign, influencing everything from conference play to potential postseason aspirations. As the recruitment cycle progresses, the Cougars will need to balance aggressive pursuit with the practicalities of scholarship limits and roster composition.