These BYU Basketball Returners Might Be Poised for a Breakout in 2025
Two versatile players are back for BYU and could thrive in the team’s system this coming season.
In Kevin Young’s debut season as head coach, the BYU men’s basketball team made it to the Sweet 16. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign, the roster has undergone significant changes, with many new additions from the transfer portal and freshman class joining the Cougars.
However, six players from last season’s roster are returning: Richie Saunders, Dawson Baker, Brody Kozlowski, Khadim Mboup, Mihailo Boskovic, and Keba Keita.
Let’s break down which of these returning players might have a breakout year in 2025-26.
First, it’s important to define what a “breakout season” means here. I’m referring to a noticeable leap in contribution compared to last year’s performance. This doesn’t mean making the All-Big 12 team, but rather significantly stepping up their role and impact.
Breakout Watch: Mihailo Boskovic
Boskovic spent last season adjusting to the American game after playing professionally in Europe. The 6’10” forward was a solid fit in Young’s system in a bench role, logging 11.1 minutes per game while averaging 3.6 points and 1.7 rebounds. Still, he struggled with efficiency, hitting just 38% overall and 27% from three.
Heading into year two, Boskovic is in a position to make a leap.
With Keba Keita returning as the starting center and Fousseyni Traore graduating, Boskovic could step into a larger role. Though BYU added depth on the perimeter, the only new big is 7’1” freshman Xavion Staton, a strong shot-blocker who may need time to adjust to Big 12 play due to his frame and inexperience.
If Boskovic can raise his 3-point percentage, he could see more court time and clean looks in BYU’s offense. With elite creators like Rob Wright and AJ Dybantsa and a scoring star in Richie Saunders, defenses will be stretched. Surrounding them will be shooters who can knock down threes at a high rate.
This setup could leave Boskovic open at the arc regularly. If he can improve his outside shooting to around 35%, he could earn a larger role and up his scoring output this season.
As a freshman, Kozlowski had limited opportunities, which is common on a Big 12 team that made the Sweet 16. He played in just nine games for a total of 30 minutes, scoring eight points and pulling down four rebounds, all while battling injuries.
Honestly, I expected him to consider the transfer portal after such a quiet freshman year.
The fact that Kozlowski is sticking with BYU—unlike fellow freshmen Kanon Catchings and Elijah Crawford—suggests that coaches showed him a clear path to minutes this year.
Standing at 6’8”, he was a strong rebounder in high school, grabbing 8.6 boards per game. The Cougars will need support on the glass, and Kozlowski can help. He’s also a capable three-point shooter and, like Boskovic, could benefit from open looks on the wing.
If Kozlowski sees steady playing time in what should be his redshirt freshman season, that qualifies as a breakout. He has the tools to make it happen.
