Unveiling BYU's Ambitious Big 12 Basketball Slate: A Season of Rivalries and Marquee Matchups

The wait is finally over as BYU's highly anticipated 2024-25 Big 12 basketball schedule has been officially unveiled. The Cougars, set to embark on their inaugural season in the prestigious conference, will face a daunting slate of opponents, including several historic rivals and national powerhouses. This comprehensive schedule promises to deliver an electrifying season of high-stakes competition and thrilling moments for BYU fans.

Gearing Up for a Colossal Conference Campaign

Renewing Rivalries and Facing Formidable Foes

The 2024-25 Big 12 schedule for the BYU men's basketball team is a testament to the program's ambition and the challenges that lie ahead. The Cougars will engage in a total of 20 conference games, each one a potential battle for supremacy. Headlining the slate is the highly anticipated renewal of the BYU-Utah rivalry, with the two teams set to face off twice in the same season for the first time since 2011. This intrastate clash is sure to captivate fans on both sides, as the Cougars and Utes rekindle their longstanding hardwood feud.

Hosting the Jayhawks and Welcoming the Wildcats

Adding to the excitement, BYU will host the perennial powerhouse Kansas Jayhawks on February 18th, marking the first time the two programs have met at the Marriott Center. This matchup promises to be a true test of the Cougars' mettle, as they look to replicate their upset victory over the Jayhawks at Phog Allen Fieldhouse in the previous season. Furthermore, the Cougars will welcome the Kansas State Wildcats to Provo, providing another opportunity for the home crowd to witness a clash between two of the Big 12's elite programs.

Navigating the Conference Gauntlet

The Cougars' conference schedule is a veritable minefield, with a host of formidable opponents awaiting them. From the high-octane offense of the Texas Tech Red Raiders to the stifling defense of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, BYU will be challenged at every turn. The team will also face off against the Cincinnati Bearcats, Baylor Bears, and West Virginia Mountaineers, all of whom have established themselves as perennial contenders in the Big 12.

Embracing the Road Warrior Mentality

While the Cougars will enjoy the comforts of the Marriott Center for the majority of their conference games, they will also face the daunting task of navigating the hostile environments of the Big 12. Road trips to Houston, TCU, Colorado, and Iowa State, among others, will test the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Cougars' success in these away fixtures will be crucial in determining their standing within the conference.

Preparing for the Big 12 Tournament

The regular-season schedule culminates with the highly anticipated Big 12 Conference Tournament, set to take place in Kansas City from March 11th to March 15th. This prestigious event will provide the Cougars with an opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage and potentially secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The road to the Big 12 title will be arduous, but the Cougars will undoubtedly be eager to make their mark in their inaugural season in the conference.

Nonconference Highlights: Facing Familiar Foes and Seeking Marquee Victories

In addition to their conference slate, the Cougars have assembled an impressive nonconference schedule that will test their mettle against a diverse array of opponents. Headlining the nonconference schedule is a matchup against the Providence Friars, a program the Cougars last faced in the 1981 Elite Eight. This historic clash will serve as the Cougars' lone true road game of the season, providing an early opportunity to showcase their ability to win away from home.

Thanksgiving in San Diego and a Clash with the Pokes

The Cougars will also participate in the Rady Children's Invitational over the Thanksgiving holiday, where they will face off against the Ole Miss Rebels and either the Purdue Boilermakers or NC State Wolfpack. Both Purdue and NC State were Final Four teams in 2024, presenting the Cougars with a chance to measure themselves against some of the nation's elite programs. Additionally, the Cougars will renew their historic rivalry with the Wyoming Cowboys in a neutral-site game at the Delta Center on December 14th, adding another intriguing nonconference matchup to their schedule.

Preparing the Women's Team for Big 12 Success

Alongside the men's team's ambitious schedule, the BYU women's basketball program has also unveiled its 2024-25 slate, which includes a mix of nonconference and Big 12 contests. The Cougars will face a challenging slate of opponents, including the Arizona Wildcats, Cincinnati Bearcats, and Baylor Bears, as they look to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in their inaugural Big 12 season.