NCAA’s eligibility shift
The NCAA recently adopted a five‑in‑five rule that grants athletes five years of eligibility while explicitly excluding graduated seniors from automatic eligibility extensions. At the same time, an Ohio court issued an injunction that temporarily permits 24 basketball players to compete next season and enter the transfer portal, a move the association is now contesting.
Among those affected is Jaxon Kohler, a former Michigan State big man who averaged 12.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and shot 39 percent from three‑point range while hitting 87 percent of his free throws in his senior season. Kohler, an LDS member, has been in contact with BYU and is scheduled for a follow‑up meeting to discuss a potential fit with the Cougars. He is currently showcasing his skills with the Utah Jazz Summer League.
Australian prospect David Okwera
The Cougars are also courting Australian forward David Okwera, a 6‑foot‑10 player who has spent the past five seasons in the National Basketball League. Okwera logged 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.6 minutes per game for the Perth Wildcats last season and remains active in the NBL1 competition, leaving his college timeline still open.
BYU enters the next recruiting cycle with three vacant scholarship spots, prompting the staff to target at least two interior players who can stretch the floor and protect the rim. Both Kohler and Okwera present contrasting skill sets, giving the program flexibility in shaping its frontcourt.
The ultimate impact of the NCAA’s legal battles and the players’ personal decisions will become clearer as the season approaches, but the early indications suggest BYU could see a significant boost in size and versatility if either prospect commits.