4 key players returning to BYU basketball next season.
These key contributors will return to play BYU basketball next season.
The 2024-25 basketball season has officially come to an end, and these days the offseason might be just as exciting as the regular season with the mayhem of recruiting and transfer portal. Over 2,000 players entered the transfer portal this year, almost 35% of all D1 men’s college basketball players. BYU has already made a big splash with the commitment of Baylor freshman Rob Wright III.
This era of college basketball is exciting and interesting to navigate, but a common trend is that the most successful teams are consistently returning quite a bit of talent. Self-proclaimed college basketball analyst and statistician Evan Miyakawa provides a visual of that fact.
As you can see, Houston and Florida (the two teams in the NCAA Final) had the majority of their team rating from returning players. The addition of AJ Dybantsa next season is an incredibly exciting prospect for BYU fans, but this data shows that the reason they are so good next year could be more reliant on their “veterans” than the young bucks.
Richie Saunders
2024-25 stats: 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Mr. Tater Tot himself. Now, I might be getting ahead of myself a little bit because Richie hasn’t officially announced his return to play with the Cougars. But in my humble opinion he would be crazy to not return. He dominated this year as the primary offensive option, imagine what he could do with all the attention on AJ.
Not only would Richie bring back a scoring punch and energy, he is a veteran leader who is already familiar with Coach Young’s system. He would be absolutely crucial to leading next year’s team, while also being one of the best players in the Big 12.
Keba Keita
2024-25 stats: 7.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
Keba is an athletic freak. He might not fill up the scoreboard, but he does exactly what BYU and Kevin Young need him to do. Grab rebounds and block shots. He serves as an excellent defensive anchor for the Cougars and having him back next year is a massive plus. I can imagine that BYU will try to funnel opponents down the lane towards Keita, and tip their cap if opposing guards can shoot over him.
Not only will he be pivotal on the court, he will also be an excellent mentor to incoming freshman Xavion Stanton. Keita will be able to help the younger bigs get a grasp on KY’s system.
Mihailo Boskovic
2024-25 stats: 3.6 points, 1.7 rebounds
Mihailo didn’t have a huge role with the Cougars this season, but he stepped up big when asked. He also joined the team about as late as possible, and I think that contributed to his struggles. A whole offseason learning the system and getting into game shape will do wonders for Boskovic.
I view his role next year as a very good wing off the bench. Coach Young’s “positionless” philosophy benefits Boskovic because it usually means that someone smaller is guarding him. I think he has a lot of potential posting up, especially on smaller guards.
Dawson Baker
2024-25 stats: 7.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Dawson is going to be a huge part of what BYU does next season. He is the only returning point guard, and will serve to fill in the gaps left by Dallin Hall and Trey Stewart. Rob Wright will likely start at point guard, but Baker will be an excellent backup. He will be able to teach Wright and guide him into the pro-style offense that BYU uses.
These 4 players, plus the new additions, look to give BYU a pretty good chance next season. They will return quite a bit of production, but also add an incredible amount of talent. There is a lot to be excited about Cougar fans.
