Projecting BYU Basketball’s Lineup for the 2025-26 Season
How will BYU build around Saunders and Dybantsa?
Each day, BYU’s 2025-2026 roster becomes clearer. While the Cougars are losing some key players to the draft, transfer portal, and graduation, the coaching staff has already made significant progress in reshaping and strengthening the roster. Kevin Young has gained national attention for his success in signing top high school recruits, such as A.J. Dybantsa, but now he faces the challenge of navigating the increasingly competitive transfer portal in college basketball.
Although BYU has lost Dallin Hall, Kanon Catchings, and Elijah Crawford to the portal, the Cougars have been quick to replace them.
The addition of Washington transfer Dominique Diomande provides the Cougars with another high-upside player to complement Dybantsa. Diomande, who transferred from France midseason, redshirted last year for the Huskies. Despite still developing as a player, he boasts NBA-caliber athleticism, finishing ability, and defense, making him a player that scouts will closely monitor. Diomande averaged over 16 points per game in France’s ProA U21 league before joining Washington.
In the backcourt, Egor Demin’s departure leaves a void that will be tough to fill, but former Baylor guard Rob Wright III seems poised to step in. Wright provided a solid presence on a Bears team struggling with injuries, averaging 11.5 points and 4.2 assists per game. Expect those numbers to improve in his sophomore year.
Robert Wright III
Alongside Wright in the backcourt will be Dawson Baker, who had several standout moments in his second season at BYU. Although Baker played a secondary role behind Demin and Hall, he’s primed for a larger role in 2026. He could start as the Cougars’ fifth player, or more likely, provide energy off the bench. While he might not be a star, if Baker can maintain consistency, he’ll be an important contributor. In addition to Baker and Wright, BYU is likely to add one or two more experienced guards through the portal.
Regardless of the final backcourt combination, the Cougars’ remaining three starters are clear. The return of Richie Saunders makes BYU a serious contender in both the conference and nationally. An All-Big 12 First Team selection, Saunders earned considerable praise last March and remains somewhat underappreciated.
However, even more significant is the arrival of top prospect A.J. Dybantsa, who is the early favorite to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With exceptional athleticism and scoring ability at all three levels—particularly in the midrange—Dybantsa will draw a lot of attention to Provo next season.
At center, Keba Keita, who started 35 games for BYU last season, is expected to retain his role. A consistent lob threat on offense, Keita also provides crucial rim protection on defense.
BYU will need to replaceKeita’s frontcourt partner in Fousseyni Traore, but 4-star recruit Xavion Staton should be up to the task. While Staton’s game mirrors Keita’s more than Traore’s, his presence will be vital to BYU’s frontcourt depth. The return of Mihailo Boskovic, who will be a senior due to his European experience, should further solidify the Cougars’ big-man rotation. Although his playing time was inconsistent last season, Boskovic showed growth late in the year and is expected to improve after a full offseason of preparation.
Mihailo Boskovic
Beyond these key players, Kevin Young will remain active in the transfer portal, seeking veteran additions to push BYU to the next level. His top priority might be finding a player who resembles the style of Mawot Mag—a versatile player who can start or come off the bench, provide solid defense, and occasionally hit 3-pointers. BYU is certainly capable of making a deeper tournament run next season, but improved defense will be necessary to achieve that goal.
A lot can change between now and November, as BYU continues to pursue transfers, international prospects, and potentially reclassified high school players. Nevertheless, here’s an early look at what BYU’s lineup could look like next season.
Projected Starters
Rob Wright III, guard
Richie Saunders, guard/forward
A.J. Dybantsa, forward
Additional Transfer, forward
Keba Keita, center
Depth Chart
Guards: Rob Wright III, Dawson Baker, Additional Transfers
Wings: Richie Saunders, A.J. Dybantsa, Dominique Diomande, Khadim Mboup, Additional Transfer
Bigs: Keba Keita, Xavion Staton, Mihailo Boskovic, Brody Kozlowski
Roster Recap
Returning Players:
Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, Dawson Baker, Mihailo Boskovic, Brody Kozlowski, Khadim Mboup
New Players:
A.J. Dybantsa, Xavion Staton, Dominique Diomande, Rob Wright III
Departing Players:
Fousseyni Traore, Trevin Knell, Trey Stewart, Mawot Mag, Egor Demin, Dallin Hall, Kanon Catchings, Elijah Crawford
