I would rate Jake Wahlen as nigh on my list. Not stellar though potential and RM making it easier to continue cultural ties. Already in transfer portal thanks to Ute coaching missteps. Though he is also probably exceedingly high on Ute list for retention.
I was going to add Joson Sanon who failed to gain entrance last year at this time, who has proved himself to be all that KY would have wanted. Sadly I see that he is also all the Rick Pitino wanted at St Johns…
Four seniors leaving and two freshman arriving leaves two spots to fill…with other possibilities of course; waiting to see about Demin and Catchings decisions. Both are better than average on defense and offense so should be high priorities for KY or other potential leagues or coaches.
Young will have his pick of forwards Do not reward Wahlen when he chose to leave.
Line up some serious $$ to keep Saunders. Is he NBA material? I say yes but the NBA lives by metrics and Saunders is all about heart.
Demin could work on the 3 point shot but if he gets a 1st round look, he is gone.
With who is coming back, assuming everyone that can, BYU needs a serious Point/ball handler, 3 point specialist, like Knell but with better D. A Center to replace Foos…by the way, what an amazing man Foos is. LOVE that guy.
To move forward, BYU needs better perimeter defense
After listening to interviews after the game, I believe Demin will be back. The money will be there the following year or two. The young man seems to have more wisdom than most. Life is more than basketball and money. I believe he needs at least one more year for his play and his mental and spiritual needs. I may be wrong but I felt a testimony coming on in his interview that was shown on today’s BYUSN.
I’m hoping Keba will stay as well. We have the 7 footer Staton coming in with AJ. He needs to put on some muscle but has great abilities as well. Who knows, maybe coach will work Boscovic in at the center position as well.
Saunders certainly can play in the NBA. But he needs another year to solidify the skills he developed this year. And, how to play with those who will be above the ability of
Most like AJ does.
Agreed.
Given the evidence of what KY did with Mag on shooting, and Tot Saunders, I would focus on motor and defense. within acceptable limits on offensive skill.
Demin has the talent to be Kosic-like on scoring and defense; as a ball handler, except for his turnover lapses, he is what-is-the word? not going to be replaced anytime soon.
I wonder if Kirelinko would actually move back to Utah, it certainly sounded like he is considering it from Travis Hansen’s opining.
I think it is positive news that no one has entered the portal yet. I thought we might get a couple announcements immediately after we lost. Maybe they are waiting for the Demin domino to fall.
That’s what happens when a big name doesn’t get playing time. He was hurt and I’m sure coach was protecting his health. But when it was time to play him, he didn’t. I’m sure he could have done as well as Knell. Should have played him.
Center: Keba is solid, lose Foos, gain Staton.
Forward: losing Catchings and Mag. have Boskovic, Kozlowski, Mboup, Triplett, Tripple…gaining Aj Dybantsa (don’t know where to put Aj, he has been bringing the ball up as the point lately.) just signed Frenchman-forward Dominique Diomande, transfer from Washington via. Euro league. The 6-7 wing/forward played in 26 games during the 2023-24 season for ADA Blois of the France-ProA U21 league, averaging 16ppg, shooting 51.9 percent from the field
Shooting Guard: Losing Knell, Starter-Saunders, Baker, bench-McGregor
Guard: Losing Mag. see below
Point Guard: Losing Stewart, maybe Demin. Starters Hall, Crawford. below are two very strong candidates. Felesi is from Timp here in Provo. 6’5 explosive to the hoop, good 3 point shot, great defender 2026 Top 50 Wing Anthony Felesi Talks Visit to BYU - Vanquish The Foe
Are you saying we are losing Saunders? I haven’t seen or heard that. We will be deep again. The question is will we be able to gel together faster next year than this year? Maybe need another Big unless Boscovic transitions into a center that can take the defense out deep.
If Demin leaves, maybe AJ plays the point like LeBron does. Still think Demin sticks around another year.
Felesi and Goosby look like great pieces for future, though as to counting on them soon is unlikely given they are 2026 recruits. and mission plans?
I haven’t heard Kozlowski announcement about a mission yet either, the mission calculus that BYU and Utah coaches have to deal with is not over.
KY will learn. Catchings should have been playing when we got way behind. He should have been playing more before as well. When he made mistakes he was immediately yanked and never got back in. Demin would make mistakes and sometimes got yanked but he was put back in. Remember, these 4 and 5 star players are coming to KY to be prepared for the NBA. Catchings didn’t get that. I understand where he’s coming from. Has nothing to do with entitlement. He went from a 2nd round pick to nada.
Its a tough dance to be a college head coach. The team started winning when the more experienced players started getting more minutes (Hall, Mag, Stewart). “Win now” and alienate the younger players who may not get many minutes or “Lose” and keep the younger players around. Its in the best interest of the coach to “win” and keep his job so the younger players are gonna leave.
I was going to ask - can Crawford be the starting point guard next year or at least #1 backup if Demin stays(I think Hall is about as good as he will get- not bad just not a starter on a top 10 to 15 team). I know Crawford is quick and can drive but can he shoot threes and dish?
Also, h. criticized a BYU coach!!! First time he’s ever done that in Cougarfan history! What’s up with that? Next he’ll critic something about trump or Elon
Entering bizarro world
If I was Catchings and saw some highlight clips of Diomande and knew Dybantsa was coming I’m not sure I would stick around either. I think he would have gotten more playing time this coming season but I also think he was a long ways from being a NBA draft pick this year.
I agree with the comments about being a college basketball coach in today’s game. The NIL stuff has changed the game a lot. Combine that with the vast number of high school and college basketball players who think they are NBA players or have NBA potential talent and it gets pretty crazy. Catchings 23 point, didn’t miss game against Baylor only fueled this decision.
I wish him the best of luck but there is no way a guarantee of being drafted in the NBA comes with any place you go. The competition is worldwide now… good luck to any kid who thinks they can play in the NBA.