BYU surprises critics and shakes off a rough start to become a team to watch in March Madness

PROVO, Utah (AP) – At the beginning of the season, few expected BYU to contend in the Big 12 Conference, let alone achieve a ranking.

The Cougars initially met these low expectations, losing four of their first six conference games.

However, BYU turned things around, finishing the regular season strong by winning 11 of their final 13 games, including an eight-game streak. They made it to the Big 12 Tournament semifinals before being defeated by Houston. The Cougars earned a 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year and will play 11 seed VCU in the opening round on Thursday.

First-year coach Kevin Young noted that after the tough start, his team became more patient, tougher, and more resilient, along with improving offensively.

“That’s where we’ve been able to make progress,” Young stated.

Off the court, significant backing from alumni donors, including Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith, has helped BYU secure top talent. The Cougars brought back Richie Saunders and Dallin Hall, both of whom had entered the transfer portal when Mark Pope moved to Kentucky. Additionally, Young’s staff recruited potential NBA lottery pick Egor Demin, along with high-impact transfers Keba Keita (Utah) and Mawot Mag (Rutgers).

BYU made a major recruiting achievement in the fall, signing the school’s first-ever consensus five-star recruit, AJ Dybantsa, who is projected to be the top pick in next year’s NBA draft.

Now, the Cougars aim to mirror their success in the NCAA Tournament. Confidence is high that they will succeed.

“I feel like everything is clicking at the right time,” said forward Fousseyni Traore. “I believe in this team. We can make a deep run. We’re going to surprise a lot of people. I truly believe that.”

The Cougars have made it to the Sweet 16 once since 1981, with Jimmer Fredette leading them in 2011. They have yet to reach the Final Four in their 31 previous tournament appearances. However, BYU players are determined to change that history of March struggles.

“We feel like we’ve been one of the best teams in the country,” said Young. “We’ve defeated many strong teams, and that’s what’s great about competing in the Big 12. Every night, you’re up against some of the nation’s top teams, so we feel like we’re battle-tested.”

A significant part of BYU’s hopes rests on Saunders, who has transitioned from a supporting player to the Cougars’ primary scorer. He was named Big 12’s Most Improved Player after averaging 16.0 points on 51.4% shooting, up from 9.6 points per game last season. The junior wing also shot 43.7% from 3-point range, leading the team with 69 3-pointers.

Saunders, an All-Big 12 first-team selection, creates numerous scoring opportunities with his relentless energy. He makes quick decisions, spaces the floor, and drives on closeouts, keeping defenders on their toes.

“He doesn’t get discouraged,” said Young. “He has an extraordinary motor.”

Since joining the Big 12, BYU has developed a reputation as a persistent perimeter threat. The Cougars averaged 10.6 3-pointers per game this season, leading the Big 12 and all power conference schools, and they converted 37% of their total 3-point attempts.

However, BYU is not just reliant on outside shooting. The Cougars have also been effective at attacking the rim when their outside shots aren’t falling, as seen in their home wins against West Virginia and Utah.

“Last year, if we had off-shooting nights – teams would really try to take away the 3 – we struggled,” Hall explained. “This year, we’re much more dynamic. We have many options.”

BYU’s depth and versatility have made them a tough challenge for most defenses.

Young has used an 11-man rotation in several games this season. No player averages more than 29 minutes per game, and 10 players have logged at least 11 minutes in each contest. Only Saunders and Demin average more than 10 points.

“We had a lot of guys stay ready throughout the season, which has been huge for us,” said guard Dawson Baker. “We’ve made a lot of adjustments with playing time and matchups. All of that has helped us find ways to win.”