BYU Men’s Basketball is poised for a bright future, with high expectations to compete in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Despite a disappointing Sweet 16 loss to Alabama, the Cougars have shown tremendous potential, particularly if they can retain their key players for next season ¹.
One major factor contributing to their promising outlook is the addition of AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top recruit, who will join the team in Provo. Dybantsa’s commitment is a significant coup for BYU, as he’s widely anticipated to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft ².
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Kevin Young, the Cougars have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. They finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 23-8 record, 14-6 in Big 12 play, and made it to the Sweet 16, where they ultimately fell to Alabama ³.
Key Players to Watch
– Richie Sanders: A bright spot in the Sweet 16 loss, scoring 25 points along with six rebounds, two assists, and four steals ¹.
– Egor Demin: A projected lottery pick, Demin is an elite passer in the pick-and-roll, with the ability to skip passes over the defense
– AJ Dybantsa: The nation’s top recruit, expected to make an immediate impact on the team ².
With a strong foundation in place, BYU Men’s Basketball is well-positioned to compete at a high level in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. As they continue to develop and grow, the Cougars are likely to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball.