Armed with UConn Blueprint and Superstar Coach, BYU’s NCAA Tournament Run Offers Glimpse Into Future

Imitating success is the highest form of admiration, and many in the basketball world are eager to replicate what BYU is building and the future they are shaping. The Cougars stunned 3-seed Wisconsin in a thrilling 91-89 victory, securing a spot in the Sweet 16. This marks just their second appearance in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since its expansion in 1985, the first being in 2011.

Exciting things are happening under coach Kevin Young, who is already taking the program to new heights. BYU’s rising NIL funds are making headlines, and securing top talent like AJ Dybantsa is another key piece. But the real story might be Young himself, who is quickly becoming one of the sport’s brightest stars.

The former NBA assistant coach has been in top form, guiding BYU through a difficult Selection Sunday draw. He sliced through VCU’s top-rated halfcourt defense, leading BYU to a dominant 1.23 points per possession, marking the first time all season that the Rams allowed 80 points. Less than 48 hours later, BYU was again unstoppable offensively.

Young is the engine behind this success, embodying the team’s identity—at least until Dybantsa arrives for his one-year stint. Young has built a solid team of committed staffers focused solely on bringing pros and championships to Provo. The formula of an elite halfcourt offense paired with strong rim protection, which helped UConn win the National Championship last year, is now being replicated by three teams in college basketball. UConn, Duke, and, unexpectedly, BYU.

This isn’t a fluke, and what Young has built at BYU seems poised for long-term success.

“The emotion just comes from how happy I am for our players and the people who support BYU,” Young said. “When you look up and see that much support, it’s truly rewarding to lead this team for everyone who believes in it.”

Could BYU’s next dynasty be emerging in Provo, with Young solidifying himself as one of the nation’s top coaches? It might be too early to say that, but the swift rise of this team raises questions about the secret behind Young’s success.

His well-crafted offseason plans are finally coming together at the perfect time. Richie Saunders, who could have easily followed Mark Pope to Kentucky, chose to stay and was rewarded with a career-best season, including a thrilling 25-point performance against Wisconsin. Potential lottery pick Egor Demin, who struggled earlier in the season, has become much more assertive on the national stage. A confident Demin changes the entire dynamic for this team. The Russian prospect nearly posted a triple-double (11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists) in just his second NCAA Tournament game.

It’s remarkable how this same team that was blown out by a struggling Providence squad in December and crushed by a dominant Houston team in January has transformed into a powerhouse. The Cougars head into the Sweet 16 as one of the hottest teams in the nation, winning 11 of their last 12 games and believing they can beat anyone. Alabama? Bring it on. Saint Mary’s? Check. A potential rematch with Arizona or a clash with Duke could be in store, with a Final Four spot on the line next week.

“Words can’t really describe it,” Saunders said. “I’ve loved playing with this group. We’ve been through some tough losses, especially my freshman year, and it’s amazing to think about how we’ve stuck together. We just kept moving forward, and now we’re here, with amazing opportunities ahead.”

While Young’s future in the NBA may still be a possibility, BYU will cross that bridge when it comes. For now, the team is focused on winning four more games. This program believes its journey is just beginning.