Fousseyni Traore and Trevin Knell have long been fan favorites of BYU basketball, and it's easy to see why. These two form BYU's most efficient two-man lineup, with Traore's dominant post presence and Knell's ability to stretch defenses with his range. As BYU enters the highly competitive Big 12 conference, these veteran leaders are ready to guide the team to new heights.

Seasoned Duo Primed for Big 12 Challenge

Leveling Up Their Game

Both Traore and Knell have been laser-focused on improving their individual games during the offseason. Traore has worked tirelessly on expanding his passing abilities, recognizing that teams can no longer simply focus on stopping him in the post. "Last year, you had to pass to me. Now I just feel like I'm finding ways to add that to my game," he explains.Knell, on the other hand, has prioritized refining his footwork and finding his spots on the court. "Coach Young is a mastermind with plays," Knell says, "I've been working on getting my feet set as quickly as possible." These strategic improvements will make the duo even more formidable as they take on the rigors of the Big 12.

Preparing the Newcomers

Alongside their individual development, Traore and Knell have also taken on the responsibility of preparing the team's newcomers for the physical demands of the Big 12. Knell emphasizes the need for the freshmen to toughen up, recounting his advice to them: "When they complain about fouls, I tell them, 'You have no idea what's coming.'" Traore echoes this sentiment, adding, "Everybody is a dog [in this league] right now. It's not going to be easy."These veteran leaders understand the challenges that lie ahead, and they are committed to ensuring that the entire team is ready to compete at the highest level. Their guidance and experience will be invaluable as the Cougars navigate their inaugural season in the Big 12.

Embracing the Big 12 Challenge

Traore and Knell are eager to test their mettle against the best competition in college basketball. Knell, in particular, is excited for the matchup against Cincinnati, saying, "I'm pumped to play [Cincinnati] at their place this time." He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and intensity for the full 40 minutes, recalling instances last season where the Cougars would squander double-digit leads late in the game."No lead is safe in the Big 12," Knell warns, underscoring the need for the team to play with relentless effort and discipline. Traore echoes this sentiment, acknowledging that the competition in the Big 12 is unlike anything they've faced before. "Everybody is a dog [in this league] right now. It's not going to be easy," he says.Despite the daunting challenge, Traore and Knell are confident in their team's ability to rise to the occasion. "A lot of people still doubt us," Knell says, "So it's going to be fun to prove them wrong."As the Cougars embark on their inaugural Big 12 campaign, the dynamic duo of Fousseyni Traore and Trevin Knell will be leading the charge. With their combined talent, experience, and unwavering determination, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the conference and cement their legacy as BYU basketball legends.