The Quest for an Anchor
As the new college basketball season approaches, the BYU Cougars remain without a definitive starting center, a void that coach Kevin Young has been vocal about addressing. Young has indicated that the program is zeroing in on a single, high‑profile big‑man recruit, a player whose skill set could finally give the Cougars the interior presence they have lacked.
Among the candidates is Xu Xin, a 7‑foot‑5 Chinese prospect who averaged 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks across 43 games in the Chinese Basketball Association this season, showcasing a blend of size and soft touch that could translate well to the NCAA game.
Another name on the radar is Pavle Backo, a Serbian 7‑footer who recently pulled out of the NBA Draft after earning a spot on the Adidas All‑Eurocamp First Team, a testament to his growing reputation and versatility on both ends of the floor.
From Senegal, Lewis Uvwo brings a defensive pedigree, touted as one of the premier shot‑blockers in his high school circuit, adding a protective edge to any frontcourt and complementing the offensive aspirations of the team.
Australian center Jongkuch Mach, standing at 7‑foot‑6, has also entered the conversation, with BYU’s staff maintaining contact as they assess fit, work ethic and long‑term development potential within the program’s system.
The Cougars have four scholarship spots to allocate, and while a big man is a priority, the roster will also require perimeter players, meaning the final composition will hinge on a broader set of needs and the timeline for a decision remains fluid.
International Talent Pool
The recruitment landscape reflects a global search, with prospects hailing from China, Serbia, Senegal and Australia, each bringing distinct skill sets that could address the Cougars’ need for size, shooting and defensive presence. As the roster takes shape, the interplay between these international talents and returning players will define the team’s competitive outlook for the upcoming season.