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BYU basketball coach Kevin Young explains why this summer was the most challenging
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- BYU basketball coach Kevin Young explains why this summer was the most challenging
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The BYU basketball program has tried to stay consistent through all the changes in the NIL era. Despite weaving in and out of the constant uncertainty of what the future may bring for the sport, Cougars coach Kevin Young is focusing on taking one day at a time.
After losing AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders and Keba Keita to the NBA, BYU transitions with a new set of players. The new additions will fit well with Rob Wright III, who returned to the program after being overshadowed by some of the pre-existing talent that was on the roster. But now is his time to shine and make a statement for NBA scouts.
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Young recently sat down for an interview with CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein. The two discuss an array of topics, including Wright staying in Provo and the state of college basketball. Young provided some key details about where BYU is headed next season. He made a bold prediction for Wright, saying he would be the best point guard in the nation, and compared him to former UNC star Ty Lawson .
Outside of Wright wanting to be at BYU and figuring out how to make it work, Young admitted the process during the offseason has gotten more difficult over the past three years.
"I think this summer was definitely the most challenging," Young said about building BYU's roster. "Not just with retaining your own guys, but just the landscape in general."
Young is not alone when it comes to constructing a roster while trying to navigate through all the changes. At this point, college basketball has given off a semi-pro vibe with very little structure. It's not quite the Wild West, like college football, but there are definite similarities. Imagine this period similar to NBA free agency, except with no salary cap. And it is like a pay-for-play model in many regards.
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BYU is trying to compete amongst several powerhouse programs like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and others. While Young has been able to put them on the map due to his NBA background, there is still work to be done.
"I could speak for the majority of coaches... I mean, what are the rules, right? Like what are the rules? It feels like every day you wake up, and the rules are different, or you know, what's getting enforced? What's not getting enforced? So, you know, man, like for a while, I would get super frustrated with it," Young added. "I'm to the point now, where it's just whatever the rules are that day. I'm just gonna dive into that. And try to make the best decisions that we can in the landscape of what's allowed and what's not allowed."
One of the biggest qualities BYU can offer blue-chip players is the chance to be with an NBA-ready program. Young has ingrained this into the Cougars' culture, which resonates deeply with recruits who make the decision to be in Provo. Even Young himself explained to Rothstein the "secret sauce" behind recruiting some of the best talent that has ever come through the program.
"We try to put our guys in positions where they get everything that they need here at the highest levels," Young said. "I have half-a-dozen former NBA employees at work on my staff. We feel like we can pour into our guys. And showcase, you know, our ability to help them get better, similar to the way we've done players in the past. That guys will want to not only come here, but guys will want to stay here and take advantage of that."
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Young and the Cougars have put together an outstanding roster thus far. However, the front court still needs to be addressed with depth at center. BYU is currently working with the NCAA to clear some international prospects. Overall, Young expects the process to be finalized soon to prepare for the upcoming season.
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