82 in 72: #28 BYU Cougars

Here is where our analysts have the Cougars ranked:

Steven	Maxwell	Kam	Cody
21	19	58	19

BYU Men’s Basketball: 2022-2023 Season Overview and Rise Under Mark Pope

Mark Pope’s Impact

Since becoming head coach of BYU men’s basketball in 2019, Mark Pope has infused the program with energy, enthusiasm, and a winning mindset. Known for his ability to recruit talented transfers and build team chemistry, Pope has helped the Cougars remain competitive, even in the challenging West Coast Conference (WCC), where BYU often battles powerhouse Gonzaga.

Entering the 2022-2023 season, Pope’s focus was on pushing the program forward, despite the team losing some key players from the previous year. Pope’s adaptability has been key to his success, as he rebuilt the roster with a mix of experienced transfers and homegrown talent, emphasizing offensive versatility and a gritty defensive approach. Under Pope, BYU has maintained a high standard of competitiveness, consistently aiming for postseason success.

2022-2023 Season Recap

BYU entered the 2022-2023 season in a transition period, as the Cougars were preparing for their move to the Big 12 in the following season. This year, however, BYU competed in its final year in the WCC, with the team’s goal being to finish strong and make another NCAA Tournament push.

The season started with optimism, as the Cougars boasted a mix of veteran players and young talent. Returning players like Fousseyni Traore and Spencer Johnson provided leadership, while transfers like Rudi Williams brought in added experience. BYU’s non-conference schedule was filled with tough tests, and though the Cougars finished 11-5 during that stretch, they secured notable wins over teams like Creighton and Dayton, building momentum heading into WCC play.

However, the Cougars struggled with inconsistency during the WCC regular season. They finished with a 19-15 overall record and 7-9 in conference play, which placed them in the middle of the pack behind Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. Injuries and difficulties closing out games in key moments hindered BYU’s ability to finish higher in the standings. Despite this, BYU entered the WCC tournament with renewed hope, reaching the semifinals before falling to Saint Mary’s in a hard-fought battle.

The Cougars were left on the outside looking in for the NCAA Tournament but overall remained hopeful as many of their key players are going to be returning for the 2023-2024 season.

Offensive Philosophy

During the 2022-2023 season, BYU’s offense was built around balanced scoring and efficient ball movement. The Cougars averaged 75.5 points per game, ranking in the top half nationally in scoring. Fousseyni Traore, the dynamic sophomore forward, was a key piece offensively, averaging 12.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, while Spencer Johnson provided scoring from the perimeter, averaging 11.1 points per game and shooting 46% from three-point range.

BYU’s offense focused on a mix of inside-out play, utilizing Traore’s presence in the paint while spacing the floor with shooters like Spencer Johnson and Jaxson Robinson. The Cougars shot 45.5% from the field and ranked well nationally in ball movement, averaging 15.7 assists per game. However, their inconsistency from beyond the arc (34.1% from three) and a tendency to turn the ball over (13.9 per game) hindered them in critical moments throughout the season.

Defensive Philosophy

Defensively, BYU prided itself on physicality and hustle, often employing a mix of man-to-man and zone defenses. The Cougars allowed 69.9 points per game, ranking 171st nationally, and were adept at limiting opponents’ shooting efficiency, holding teams to 43.2% shooting from the field.

The defense was anchored by Fousseyni Traore and Gideon George, both of whom were versatile defenders who could guard multiple positions. Traore’s shot-blocking and George’s ability to disrupt passing lanes were vital to BYU’s success, as they frequently forced turnovers and pushed the tempo in transition. The Cougars averaged 6.5 steals and 3.8 blocks per game, ranking in the top half of the nation in both categories.

Key Players:

Fousseyni Traore: The sophomore forward was a dominant force in the paint, leading the team in both scoring (12.9 PPG) and rebounding (7.8 RPG). His shot-blocking ability and rim protection made him a cornerstone of BYU’s defense.
Spencer Johnson: A sharpshooting guard who averaged 11.1 points per game, Johnson’s leadership and ability to knock down three-pointers were crucial in key moments.
Rudi Williams: The senior transfer provided veteran leadership and scoring punch, averaging 12.8 points per game and contributing to the team’s assists averaging (2.8 per game).
Gideon George: Known for his defensive versatility, George contributed on both ends of the floor, averaging 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while playing tough defense.

BYU Men’s Basketball: 2023-2024 Season Recap and Big 12 Debut

Entering the Big 12: A New Era for BYU Basketball

The 2023-2024 season was historic for the BYU Cougars as they made their debut in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. With head coach Mark Pope entering his fifth season, the Cougars faced an entirely new level of competition compared to their time in the West Coast Conference (WCC). The transition posed significant challenges, but also opportunities for BYU to establish itself as a formidable program in one of the best basketball conferences in the country.

Coming off a transitional year in 2022-2023, BYU knew the jump to the Big 12 would be tough, with the conference featuring elite programs such as Kansas, Baylor, and Texas. The season began with high hopes as the Cougars aimed to prove their competitiveness in a league filled with nationally ranked teams.

Non-Conference Play: Building Confidence

BYU began the 2023-2024 season with a strong non-conference schedule, finishing with a 12-1 record. The Cougars secured important wins over teams like San Diego State and NC State, showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier programs. Led by sophomore point guard Dallin Hall and forward Fousseyni Traore, BYU’s balanced attack and defensive intensity laid a solid foundation as they prepared for their inaugural Big 12 campaign.

Jaxson Robinson emerged as a key contributor, providing outside shooting, while the addition of Quez Glover, a transfer guard, added much-needed scoring depth to the backcourt. Ali Khalifa, a transfer from Charlotte, bolstered the frontcourt alongside Traore, giving BYU size and versatility in the post.

Big 12 Challenges: Growing Pains in a Tough Conference

Once Big 12 play began, the Cougars faced the reality of competing against some of the nation’s best teams. They struggled early on, particularly on the road, and finished the conference season with a 10-8 record. BYU had difficulty maintaining consistency, especially against top-tier opponents such as Kansas and Baylor, but managed to secure key wins over Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

The physicality and athleticism of the Big 12 posed a steep learning curve for the Cougars, and while they showed flashes of potential, closing out games against high-level competition became an issue. Injuries also played a role, with key contributors missing time throughout the season, further complicating the team’s rhythm and depth.

Despite the struggles, BYU remained competitive in many games, and their defense, anchored by Traore and Khalifa, was a strong point throughout the season. However, offensive inconsistencies, particularly with three-point shooting, hampered their ability to keep pace with higher-scoring teams in the conference.

Season Highlights and Key Players

Fousseyni Traore: Traore continued his rise as one of BYU’s top players, averaging 10.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. His interior presence on both ends of the floor made him a standout in the Big 12, and his leadership was crucial to the Cougars’ success.
Dallin Hall: Hall took a major leap in his sophomore season, emerging as the team’s floor general. He averaged 9.0 points and 5.1 assists per game, showing poise and maturity beyond his years. His ability to facilitate the offense and score when needed made him an indispensable part of BYU’s attack.
Jaxson Robinson: Robinson became BYU’s most reliable perimeter threat, averaging 14.2 points per game while shooting over 35% from three. His outside shooting provided much-needed spacing for the Cougars’ inside game.

Postseason and Looking Ahead

Mounting a surprising 23-11 overall record, BYU’s performance in the Big 12 showed they could compete with elite programs, even if their first season didn’t result in a top-tier finish. Their 10-8 conference record placed them in the middle of the pack to which they did secure an NCAA Tournament bid seeded 6th facing a tough Duquesne team in the first round. They ultimately fall to Duquesne in the first round concluding their hopes at a long tournament bid.

The experience gained in their first year in the Big 12 is expected to pay dividends as BYU moves forward. With several key players returning and another strong recruiting class incoming, expectations are high for Mark Pope and the Cougars to make significant strides in the coming years. The team’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity set a foundation for future success in one of the toughest basketball conferences in the nation.

Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Season and Beyond

As the Cougars get ready for the 2024-2025 season, they will be under new leadership. With Mark Pope’s departure to Kentucky they brought in an NBA veteran to lead the charge for this team. Kevin Young, while only 42 years old has 18 years of NBA coaching experience whether this being in the G-League or his most recent stop as the assistant head coach for the Phoenix Suns. As the program begins to navigate under Young, the Cougars have firmly established themselves as one of the nation’s most consistent programs. Though many of the top contributors have departed due to expiration of eligibility (Spencer Johnson, Trevin Knell) or have transferred out of the program (Jaxson Robinson, Kentucky, Aly Khalifa, Louisville, Mawot Mag, Rutgers) they have once again brought in a very experienced group via the transfer portal and top international talent.

Key Returners and New Leadership
The Cougars return some of their top contributors from last season in the form of Senior Big Man Fousseyni Traore, Junior Guard Richie Saunders and his backcourt mate Dallin Hall. They will assist in ushering in a new talent to the roster in the form of two 3-star commits in Forward Brody Kozlowski and Elijah Crawford. As well as immediate impact Freshman Egor Demin, a 6 ‘8 combo guard from Real Madrid, 6’ 8 4-Star forward from OTE Kanon Catchings and 6 ‘4 3-Star combo guard Brooks Bahr. This shapes up to be a very fun roster to watch for this coming season with a balance of returning impact players and key recruits to watch. They will be up for a challenge in the very competitive Big-12 Conference.

Season of new revival and Young’s Tenure
As BYU enters the 2024-2025 season, expectations are high as the Cougars prepare to make waves in the Big 12. The competition will be fierce, with perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas providing significant challenges. However, BYU’s mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers places them in a strong position to compete for a top spot in the conference standings. If their key transfers and freshmen adapt quickly, the Cougars have the potential to secure a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Under Kevin Young’s leadership, with a focus on player empowerment and offensive creativity, BYU will look to improve on their previous season. Young emphasizes the importance of individual player growth, fostering strong relationships that help players maximize their potential both in practice and games. His offensive schemes prioritize spacing, ball movement, and quick decision-making, allowing the team to play an unselfish and adaptable style. The Cougars return 40% of their minutes and 47.6% of their scoring from last year, giving the team a strong core to build around and room for new contributors to shine.

As the 2024-2025 campaign progresses, attention will be on BYU’s frontcourt depth and the impact of their highly-touted recruits. Young’s commitment to creating a positive team culture and fostering accountability will be crucial as the team navigates a tough Big 12 conference. The combination of a talented incoming class, experienced returners, and the motivation to prove themselves sets up BYU for an exciting season with the potential to bolster their program’s growing reputation.