College Basketball Analysts Discuss BYU’s NCAA Tournament Potential
BYU hasn’t made it past the Round of 32 since 2011, when Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery were key players in the backcourt for the Cougars.
BYU’s struggles in the NCAA Tournament are well-known, as the team holds the record for the most NCAA Tournament appearances without reaching a Final Four.
However, a new chapter has begun under first-year head coach Kevin Young. Could he guide BYU to a deep run in March Madness?
National college basketball analysts have shared their opinions on BYU as the tournament approaches.
ESPN Analysts Discuss BYU’s Chances
Shortly after the bracket was announced, ESPN held a special from Nashville, Tennessee, with Rece Davis, Jay Williams, Seth Greenberg, and Jay Bilas.
During the breakdown of the East region, they weighed in on BYU.
“BYU-VCU is going to be a great game because VCU forces turnovers,” Jay Bilas said on ESPN’s Bracketology. “BYU is intriguing because nearly half of their field goals come from beyond the arc. Richie Saunders is an outstanding shooter, with 74 threes, and his great-grandfather invented the tater tot.”
“Egor Demin leads the team in assists,” said ESPN’s Jay Williams. “With their floor spacing, even if they face Wisconsin, they could make it to the Sweet 16.”
“BYU has a style that could impose its game,” said ESPN’s Seth Greenberg. “They’ll speed up the game and spread the court, getting paint touches and knocking down threes. They can hit 10, 12, 14, or even 16 threes in a game.”
CBS Sports Analysts Predict a Strong BYU Run
CBS Sports senior writer and analyst Matt Norlander shared his predictions, forecasting BYU to reach the Sweet 16 before falling to No. 2 seed Alabama.
Along with Norlander, CBS’s analytics expert Mackenzie Brooks has BYU advancing to the Elite Eight.
Seth Davis Predicts BYU in the Elite Eight
After the East region was unveiled on CBS, analyst Seth Davis made a bold prediction: BYU could reach the Elite Eight.
He reiterated his belief during an Instagram Live on his website, Hoops HQ.
“I’m not sure how dark they are, but I like BYU,” Davis said. “They’re in a high-powered offensive bracket with Duke, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Alabama, so their first-round game against VCU is a huge challenge. They’ll face tough defense, but BYU has a grit we haven’t seen from them before. I’ve got them in the Elite Eight.”
Tom Crean Thinks BYU Could Challenge Duke
During ESPN2’s Bracketology breakdown, former Marquette and Indiana head coach Tom Crean was asked if any team could challenge Duke.
Crean pointed to BYU and No. 3 seed Wisconsin as potential threats.
The former coach had watched BYU during their road win at Colorado earlier this season.
“BYU could give Duke trouble if they get past VCU,” said ESPN analyst and former coach Tom Crean. “If BYU faces Wisconsin, they’ll be a challenge for any team, including Duke.”
“Richie Saunders is phenomenal. BYU has 11 solid players. Freshman Egor Demin has been impressive. Their win at Iowa State proves they’re capable, and Fouss Traore and Keba Keita are excellent defenders and versatile forwards.”
Andy Katz Has BYU in the Elite Eight
NCAA.com reporter Andy Katz predicted BYU would make it to the Elite Eight before falling to No. 1 seed Duke.
Sean Farnham Highlights BYU’s Turnover Issues
During ESPN2’s Bracketology special, Sean Farnham expressed concern about BYU’s turnover problems, which could affect their tournament run.
“Turnovers have been a recurring issue for BYU, and they tend to lose when they’re careless with the ball,” said ESPN analyst Sean Farnham. “Egor Demin has had to sit at times, and against Arizona, Dallin Hall took over because he’s more efficient with the basketball. That could be a concern in their first-round game against VCU.”
BYU vs. VCU
First Round – 2025 NCAA Tournament
Location: Denver, Colorado
Arena: Ball Arena
Tip-Off: 2:05 p.m. (MDT)
