As March rolls in, college basketball fans are in for a treat with the start of March Madness. This is when the sport shines brightest, with unforgettable buzzer-beaters, shocking upsets, and the crowning of champions. For fans, it’s a time of joy, heartbreak, and the undeniable lure of basketball’s postseason chaos.
Among the teams gaining attention, BYU is making waves as a potential contender. The Cougars, ranked 23rd, are on a six-game winning streak, and coach Kevin Young’s team seems to be peaking at just the right time. Historically, BYU basketball has been a source of disappointment, but something feels different this year. An upset victory over Iowa State might be the signal that this is no ordinary season. As the song from The Japanese House goes, “I don’t know what’s right anymore, I don’t want to fight anymore.”
BYU is good—really good—and the college basketball world is starting to take notice.
One standout player is Egor Demin, an NBA Draft prospect who has been a bit of a rollercoaster this season. The 6-foot-9 point guard from Moscow has the size and skill to tantalize NBA scouts, but his shooting struggles have been well-documented. However, he seems to be finding his rhythm, with a standout performance against West Virginia, showing that when he drives to the basket, he’s dangerous.
Richie Saunders has been nothing short of exceptional, and his play has helped elevate the entire team. Under Young’s guidance, the squad is finally clicking, and that’s getting the attention of the wider basketball community.
The Big 12 Tournament looms large, offering an elite challenge, with potential matchups against powerhouses like Houston, Arizona, and Iowa State. BYU, a team that hasn’t won a conference tournament in over two decades, is still an underdog, but some observers are starting to believe this could be their year.
Rob Dauster from the Field of 68 podcast pointed to BYU’s impressive run, including a stretch where they averaged 90+ points, shot 50% from the field, and turned the ball over fewer than 12 times. This historic performance could signal that they are capable of anything.
So, is BYU a legitimate threat in the Big 12 Tournament, or is this just a temporary hot streak? Confidence is building in this team—could March Madness be the moment they rise to the occasion?
