BYU Basketball: Kevin Young’s System Still a Work in Progress
Patience will be key as BYU’s new head coach finds his footing this season.
This year hasn’t started as dominantly as Mark Pope’s final season, where every non-conference matchup against weaker opponents ended in a resounding blowout.
In two of the Cougars’ first four games, Kevin Young’s roster showed signs of struggling to find cohesion. Both UC Riverside and Idaho presented serious upset challenges, with Idaho appearing in control until the second half began.
Yet, BYU remains unbeaten, receiving AP Top 25 votes (ranked 29th if the list extended). Egor Demin has emerged as a national sensation, and returning veterans have stepped up to fill key roles.
Still, Richie Saunders and Fousseyni Traore can’t address all the team’s issues. Free throw shooting has been poor, new players haven’t fully meshed with the roster, and streaky shooting combined with weak defense has kept opponents closer than expected.
Are these just minor hurdles that Young’s staff is addressing? Or will tougher opponents like Ole Miss and Providence expose deeper flaws?
It’s too early to panic, but should there be concern? Kevin Young’s system isn’t flawless yet, but that’s okay. Here’s why BYU fans can relax.
Building a Stronger Team
When two rivers merge, the resulting confluence creates a stronger flow. Similarly, BYU is navigating the challenges of blending new players into a cohesive unit.
In today’s era of transfer portals and standout freshmen, BYU has made moves to stay competitive. However, building chemistry between unfamiliar players requires time and effort.
NBA prospects like Demin and Catchings aim to hone their skills in Provo before advancing to the next level. Meanwhile, transfers like Boskovic, Keita, and Mag are adjusting to a new system.
The key is turning individual talents into a unified team capable of achieving more together. Rivers take centuries to merge; a basketball team deserves more than a few weeks.
Adjusting Under Kevin Young
Kevin Young’s reputation in basketball circles is well-known. As a highly respected and well-paid NBA assistant, he transitioned to BYU to usher in a new era of basketball.
However, Young isn’t perfect—he’s new to college coaching. Balancing recruitment, system development, and in-game adjustments is a significant challenge. Despite this, Young has built a strong staff and laid the groundwork to show recruits why BYU can prepare them for the NBA.
Much like learning to surf, no amount of preparation replaces experience. Young is diving in and learning to adapt. While the results haven’t been seamless, the team is making measurable progress.
UC Riverside head coach Mike Magpayo praised Young, saying, “I know what a good coach he is. But [his system is] not super complicated.”
Young’s approach is simple: put players in positions to succeed. Egor Demin shines because his teammates create opportunities—spacing the floor, diving to the basket, and supporting his playmaking.
Opponents may focus on Demin, but Young’s strategic adjustments have given BYU an edge in games.
So, don’t dwell on early struggles. BYU basketball is moving forward under Kevin Young, and the foundation being built looks promising.