Navigating the Evolving Landscape: BYU Basketball's Preseason Preparations

As BYU basketball gears up for its second season in the Big 12 conference, head coach Kevin Young sat down with the media to share his insights on the team's progress, the challenges they're navigating, and the strategies he's implementing to build a cohesive and efficient system with their deep roster.

Unlocking the Potential of a Talented Roster

Maintaining Momentum Amidst Preseason Challenges

Coach Young acknowledged the team's relentless work ethic, stating, "It feels like we've been going all summer long." However, he also addressed the need to navigate the preseason's obstacles, including minor injuries affecting some players. "A couple of guys are banged up, which is always a challenge to navigate," he explained, emphasizing that this is a common occurrence when players are pushing themselves to the limit during the preseason.

Developing an Offensive Identity

Offensively, Young expressed optimism about the team's progress, saying, "I think we're getting there in terms of understanding the style of play, the ball movement, and the pace we want." The goal, he explained, is to cultivate a system where players move the ball efficiently and adapt to the fast-paced nature of the game he envisions for the team.

Refining the Defensive Approach

On the defensive end, Young acknowledged that there is still work to be done. "There are a lot of things we're working through," he said. While the team is focused on implementing new defensive concepts, Young also recognizes the importance of keeping things simple for the players as they work to absorb and apply these strategies.

Leveraging Veteran Leadership

When asked about the players leading the way in understanding and adapting to the team's offensive philosophy, Young highlighted the contributions of several veteran players. "Trevin [Knell] is a great shooter and has a feel for how he can be used," he said. Young also praised Dallin Hall and Richie Saunders as quick learners who are setting the tone for the team.The veteran players' leadership on and off the court is crucial as the team integrates new recruits. "I think the older guys are a bit farther along, but that's something I expected," Young acknowledged.

Navigating the Complexities of Lineup Decisions

As the Cougars' first game approaches, Young admitted that he's not yet ready to lock in a starting five. "We're still working through different things," he said. One of the challenges he faces, particularly coming from the NBA, is adjusting to the different game structure at the college level, with its distinct timeout systems and substitution patterns.Young explained that he's collaborating closely with BYU's director of analytics to analyze various lineup combinations and determine which players complement each other best. "It's not just about the starting five but finding the right combinations of guys that complement each other," he said.

Maximizing the Depth and Versatility of the Roster

One aspect that excites Young about this season is the depth and versatility of the Cougars' roster. "I think every guy we have out there can contribute," he said. However, with so many talented players, the challenge lies in narrowing down the rotation to a manageable number. "There's only so many minutes to go around."While it's still early, Young believes the competitive nature of practice will help determine who earns those coveted minutes. "Over time, that stuff will iron itself out," he said.

Maintaining a Grounded Approach Amidst Rising Expectations

Last season, BYU was picked 13th in the Big 12 preseason poll, a ranking that became obsolete as the Cougars exceeded those expectations. This year, the expectations are higher, but Young is focused on keeping the team grounded. "I've never really understood the whole expectations thing," he said. "We're more focused on establishing our identity and visualizing what we want this team to be about."Instead of worrying about external expectations, Young is encouraging his players to focus on their own goals and aim for success on their terms. "It's more about what we want to accomplish as a team than what the outside world expects of us," he explained.As BYU basketball embarks on its second Big 12 campaign, Coach Kevin Young and his team are poised to make their mark. With a deep and versatile roster, a commitment to developing a cohesive system, and a grounded approach to managing expectations, the Cougars are ready to navigate the evolving landscape and write a new chapter in their basketball history.