Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Khadim Mboup across Basketball.
The Cougars are scouting a mix of towering centers and skilled big men from China, Serbia, Australia and the United States, aiming to fill the void left by last season’s departure.
With the upcoming basketball season on the horizon, BYU’s coaching staff is zeroing in on a skilled big man to anchor the lineup, while evaluating a handful of international prospects.
BYU will not retain 6'11" Ilia Frolov, who chose Arkansas, but is on the verge of signing 7'5" Xu Xin from the CBA, reshaping the team's interior dynamics.
Coach Kevin Young discussed the team's pursuit of a dominant big man, highlighted key additions like Collin Chandler, and provided injury updates on Dawson Baker and Nate Pickens as the Cougars prepare for a scrimmage on October 9 and their season opener against Nebraska on October 18.
The 2026‑27 Big 12 season promises a reshaped landscape, with title contenders emerging amid a wave of player movement.
The upcoming season promises a blend of conference battles and high‑profile non‑conference contests, including a return to the Maui Invitational and a home game against Kansas.
AJ Dybantsa’s MVP run at the FIBA U19 World Cup, Bruce Branch III’s athletic showcase for Team USA, and Yoeli Childs’ success in Japan highlight BYU’s expanding horizons as the program prepares for a demanding schedule and a critical center shortage.
BYU is aggressively pursuing a dominant big man for the upcoming season, eyeing Chinese Basketball Association star Xu Xin and other international prospects, as the program navigates roster needs and external recruitment pressures.
With a vacancy at the pivot, BYU is courting Xu Xin, Assane Diop and Jahel Trefle, while also keeping tabs on several other programs.
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.
A look at the transfer movements, new arrivals and the search for a center as BYU reshapes its squad.
St. John's has risen to No. 16 in the 2026‑27 CBS Sports Preseason Top 25 And 1 rankings after securing a commitment from four‑star forward Theo Edema, while Coach Rick Pitino looks to bolster the roster with two additional transfers.
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.