The BYU basketball program comes into next season as one of the "top dogs" in the Big 12. After a Sweet 16 appearance in Kevin Young's first year, the Cougars weren't happy with just being in the NCAA tournament. The loss to Alabama set many things in motion for what's about to happen in Provo. 

The nation's best recruit AJ Dybansta will be the cornerstone piece for BYU, along with former five-star Baylor transfer Rob Wright III, next-level shooter Kennard Davis Jr., and returning starters Richie Saunders and Keba Keita. The projected starting lineup for the Cougars is possibly the top in the country. Many outlets have agreed, ranking BYU at a top ten team in early polls. 

ESPN's insider Jeff Borzello updated his early preseason Top 25 with BYU cracking the top five.  

"All eyes will be on Provo, Utah, next season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives in college to suit up for the Cougars,"  Borzello wrote. "How has Kevin Young built around Dybantsa? Teaming him up with high-level scorer Richie Saunders on the wing was a great start, and landing Robert Wright III at point guard was a boost. That trio should be one of the country's most explosive on the offensive end."

Young has set a new standard after coming over from the Phoenix Suns. BYU has been flipped into a true NBA-ready program with big expectations. Better recruiting efforts, keeping key talents, and developing a solid approach has been the difference. But the national spotlight burns bright with many seeing the Cougars as the team to beat in the Big 12.  

There was a lot Young gave up in Phoenix. He was the highest-paid assistant in the NBA, but still kept a good relationship with players in the league. New BYU athletic director Brian Santiago will try to keep Young at BYU, even if the NBA comes calling. 

“I’m hoping that Kevin Young sees everything that’s happening here, and for all of these student athletes that we’ve brought to BYU, that this is the right place for him and his family,” Santiago said. “So that we can move forward with confidence, and everybody knows we’re ready to go.”

Young comes as the next wave in the second-degree from Gregg Popovich's coaching tree. He was an assistant to Brett Brown with the Philadelphia 76ers, who spent a decade with Pop in San Antonio. Brown returned for his second stint with the Spurs in 2022.