BYU basketball has never been known as a basketball powerhouse. The program has never made a Final Four appearance, has made just three Elite Eight appearances, and hasn’t been that far in the tournament since 1981.
In fact, the Cougars are coming off just their sixth Sweet 16 appearance in school history and their first time advancing to the second weekend since 2011.
Under Kevin Young, however, the Cougars are starting to look like a team that needs to be taken seriously in the Big 12 race. Not only is BYU coming off a terrific season, but they’re also compiling impressive talent in both the transfer portal and high school ranks.
AJ Dybansta, the No. 1 overall player in the country, is headed to Provo in 2025, and the Cougars also just added Baylor point guard Rob Wright from the portal.
According to a report from David Evans of Sports Casting, BYU is leading the race to land Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams, who entered the portal alongside testing the NBA Draft waters.
“BYU makes sense for a few reasons,” Evans writes. “Kevin Young, a former NBA assistant, has shifted the program toward a more pro-style approach. That matters to a player like Williams, who’s already shown an advanced feel for the game. His passing, court vision, and willingness to move without the ball would work well in a spaced-out, movement-heavy offense. BYU also has a clear hole in the rotation after recent guard departures, and Williams could step into a featured role immediately.
“The Cougars have been active in the NIL market too, securing major commitments like A.J. Dybantsa with strong financial backing. BYU offers minutes, structure, and resources — all in a Power Five setting.”
In his first year under Grant McCasland, Williams averaged a career-high 15.1 points to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
If the Cougars can add Williams, their roster would have to be taken seriously as a real contender. With Richie Saunders, Rob Wright, Keba Keita, AJ Dybansta, and Dawson Baker, plus a player like Williams, this is one of the most dynamic rosters in a stacked Big 12.
