The Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars men’s basketball team exhibited an impressive performance during the 2023-24 season, surpassing expectations and securing a spot in the NCAA tournament as a 6th seed. The pertinent question now revolves around the team’s ability to replicate such success in the forthcoming 2024-25 season.
Various esteemed national publications have unveiled their “premature top 25 rankings” for the upcoming season, with BYU featuring prominently in multiple lists. As per USA Today, the Cougars hold the 10th position, and they are positioned within the top 15 in three other rankings. Notably, nine prominent national outlets have accorded BYU a place in their rankings, with Sporting News being the sole exception.
The potential outcome of the team’s performance in the upcoming season hinges significantly on the status of lead scorer Jaxson Robinson, who maintained an average of 14.2 points per game. The prospect of his return would undeniably influence the team’s prospects, in addition to the contribution of other key players such as Fousseyni Traore and Trevin Knell.
Nevertheless, Robinson’s future with the team remains uncertain, given his status as a top prospect for the NBA draft. ESPN’s Jeff Borzello acknowledged this uncertainty in his rankings, conceding that even in the absence of Robinson, the core team under the guidance of coach Mark Pope should be capable of attaining victories in the tournament.
Conversely, speculations have emerged regarding Pope’s potential departure to assume coaching roles elsewhere. With the departure of John Calipari from Kentucky, rumours circulating within the sports sphere speculate the possibility of Pope assuming the position of head coach. These speculations stem from Pope’s ties to Kentucky as an alumnus and former member of their national championship team, as highlighted by CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish.
In addition to these potential changes, the upcoming season is set to witness the arrival of highly-touted recruit Collin Chandler, who committed to BYU in the Class of 2022. Chandler’s inclusion is anticipated to yield a significant impact on the team, as his offensive capabilities are expected to mirror the contributions of Jaxson Robinson during the past season.
Ultimately, several industry experts have presented diverse viewpoints on BYU’s prospects for the 2024-25 season, although the prevailing consensus underscores the team’s potential to uphold its competitiveness within the rigorous Big 12 conference, irrespective of the presence of certain key players. The introduction of Chandler and the leadership of Coach Pope will constitute pivotal determinants in shaping the team’s trajectory in the upcoming season.
This concise summary encapsulates the rankings of BYU, as delineated by 10 national outlets, for the upcoming season.