Basketball State of Mind

 
Here we are again. How time flies. March Madness is upon us and for the second straight season the cougs were not invited to the big dance. The road for BYU won't be getting any easier anytime soon as a member next season in the Big 12. Exit interviews are currently underway and so far a couple pieces appear to already be moving on from the program.

College basketball's transfer recently opened with Hao Dong (6-6 freshman Forward) and Braeden Moore (6-9 freshman Forward from Nashville TN) have both placed their names in the portal. Dong was a RSL Academy graduate who committed to BYU last July. Thus, not a surprising move playing in 4 games and only accumulating 8 total minutes. Moore's move is also not much of a surprise either with pretty much nonexistent playing time. 

Coach Mark Pope will certainly have his work cut out for him in the offseason. Rudi Williams and Gideon George exhausted their eligibility. Although, Jake Wahlin returns home. Am speculating that there may be another or two who place their name in the portal or move on in the coming weeks. There will be some soul searching possible staff shakeup, and recruiting to rebuild the roster with hopes to be even somewhat competitive entering the Big 12. Pope must know that his seat may be growing hot.

This squad saw the pendulum swing both directions this season with some good times (victories over Creighton, Utah including a 7 game win streak) as well as some tough trials (consecutive losses to Utah Valley, South Dakota and a 4 game losing streak). This squad seemed to struggle with a number of concerning basic fundamentals (breaking the press, free throws, etc). Pope has mentioned the struggle in being able to offer comparable NIL deals in order to recruit the better athletes.

BYU has a decent group of young players to build around (Dallin Hall, Richie Saunders, Fouss, etc. Although, there are still some glaring needs that can be addressed with the portal. The cougs need more of a scoring punch, someone who can create their own shot. Finding another piece in the guard line that can complement Dallin or Richie would be beneficial.

With Gideon George's eligibility used up it leaves Jaxson Robinson as really the only remaining wing player with decent length. Saunders can bring the hustle not found in the box score but BYU better address the length to match up with most teams in the new conference. Otherwise, teams will absolutely exploit that at will in the Big 12.

There is no question that Fousse is the cougs best player. Atiki played incredibly well in the WCC tourney but BYU must find a way to add another big man. Fousse seemed to struggle at times matching up with bigger players. The cougs really need to find a true big man who can play the 5 spot, who can crash the boards, protect the rim and from time to time put the ball in the hoop. 

What Pope does in the offseason surely will be a treat to watch. Am definitely intrigued to see what needs will be met and how soon BYU can compete in the Big 12. Time will only tell.