
BYU Basketball’s Ascendancy in the Big 12: From Upsets to Elite Status
Over the past few seasons BYU has collected top‑10 victories, broken through in March Madness and positioned itself as a rising power in college basketball
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kevin Young across Basketball, Football.

Over the past few seasons BYU has collected top‑10 victories, broken through in March Madness and positioned itself as a rising power in college basketball

A 33‑point performance against Kansas highlighted Richie Saunders' NBA potential, but an early ACL tear ended his college eligibility. His rapid recovery and skill set have scouts projecting him as a second‑round pick.

Recent early exits and a historical pattern of missed opportunities cast doubt on BYU's tournament pedigree, even as the program eyes a resurgence under new leadership.

Early preseason rankings place BYU outside the top 25, but Big 12 rivals dominate the lists, and the Cougars hope a new center can change their trajectory.

Robert Wright III is set to lead a revamped BYU backcourt as the team navigates key departures and aims for a strong Big 12 showing.

BYU basketball is actively courting 2027 five-star forward Moussa Kamissoko, a top-10 national recruit whose athleticism and shooting have made him a coveted target for several elite programs.

Jason Williams and Grant Hill clash over UNC's 'Blue Blood' status, as coaching transitions, NCAA rule shifts, and new recruiting pathways challenge traditional powerhouses.

ESPN’s Jamal Collier reports that the Chicago Bulls have begun courting BYU head coach Kevin Young, a recruiter who turned down the Nets for college hoops, as the Bulls aim to reshape their roster for the 2026‑27 season.

BYU’s 2023 nonconference slate features 12 games against top opponents, including Ohio State, Northwestern, Utah State and San Diego State, plus a Maui Invitational stint that offers seven Quad 1/2 opportunities and a chance to reduce travel strain compared with last year.

Dawson Baker is set to return for BYU’s 2026‑27 season after a torn ACL and multiple injuries, bringing his elite three‑point shooting and experience back to a team reshaped by Coach Kevin Young’s offensive vision.

BYU’s head coach Kevin Young is actively rebuilding the roster after several key players left the program, exploring both domestic and overseas prospects to fill the center position before summer practices begin on June 15.

After a severe ACL tear in late 2023, Dawson Baker is set to rejoin BYU for the 2026‑27 season, bringing his proven shooting and resilience to a team that reached the Sweet 16 last year.

A look at the transfer movements, new arrivals and the search for a center as BYU reshapes its squad.

Kalani Sitake’s recent contract extension at Brigham Young University has unlocked new resources that are reshaping the Cougars’ athletic landscape, enabling staff retention, facility upgrades, and stronger competition across multiple sports.

LSU's aggressive financial offer has lured Michael Ruzic away from Brigham Young University, while the Cougars shift focus to Luigi Suigo amid NBA and Villanova interest.

The Cougars were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 March Madness, prompting coach Kevin Young to focus on recruiting to replace departing star AJ Dybantsa and bolster the roster for next season.

Brigham Young University reveals a wide range of season ticket prices, from $210 to $2,360, as the program leverages NIL deals and elite recruiting to fund its roster and compete in the Big 12.

BYU basketball’s recent recruiting cycle has delivered a jolt of disappointment after the program fell just short of landing two coveted big men. Theo Edema, a 6‑11 four‑star prospect from the 2027 class, had narrowed his choices to a final four that included the Cougars, but ultimately committed to St. John’s and will reclassify to the 2026 tier. The loss follows another near‑miss with Obinna Ekezie, who elected to join Louisville, leaving BYU without a clear answer at center.

With a vacancy at center, BYU is evaluating a handful of big men, from reclassifying prospects to overseas veterans, while navigating agency relationships and roster dynamics.

A dominant defensive big man, Theo Edema, is considering a move that could reshape BYU's roster and address its long‑standing interior needs.

Coach Kevin Young has secured five‑star freshmen in three consecutive recruiting cycles, and now eyes top 2027 prospects such as Demarcus Henry and Malachi Jordan.