A Strategic Overhaul for the Cougars
BYU’s men’s basketball program is set to welcome Lithuanian combo guard Dovydas Buika for the 2026‑27 campaign, a move that adds a seasoned international presence to the roster.
The transition comes as the Cougars will lose 12 of the 17 athletes who featured last season, a exodus driven by graduations, early‑entry NBA draft declarations and a wave of transfers.
Among those who will remain, senior guard Robert Wright III initially flirted with the transfer portal but ultimately decided to stay, providing continuity and leadership.
The incoming class brings seven new faces, including transfers from power‑conference programs such as Kentucky, Syracuse and Clemson, as well as high‑school signees and an additional international prospect.
Coaching staff have highlighted the need for size and interior defense, especially at the center position, and have turned to global recruiting pipelines to locate suitable candidates.
Notable departures include AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders, both of whom entered the NBA draft, while five‑star freshman Bruce Branch III, though highly touted, is still some way from matching the impact of those exits.
The roster reshaping reflects a broader strategy to blend home‑grown talent with overseas expertise, aiming to restore competitiveness in the highly contested Western Athletic Conference.