Top 25 Cougar Showdown: BYU Basketball Faces Opportunity to Shine in Las Vegas

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

Early season results and the first two weeks of college basketball suggest that BYU men’s basketball has improved from last year. The Cougars are currently ranked No. 14 in KenPom’s predictive metrics and are receiving votes in the Associated Press Top 25 after a 4-0 start.

The team ranks 21st nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and 14th in adjusted defense, according to KenPom. Victories over strong opponents like San Diego State and dominant wins over Houston Christian, Southeastern Louisiana, and Morgan State have contributed to BYU’s strong start.

Despite being predicted to finish 13th out of 14 teams in the Big 12, BYU faces a formidable schedule in the upcoming conference play, which will test the team’s capabilities. The Cougars are prepared for the challenge, having brought back most of last year’s experience and added talent from returning players who missed the previous season through injury.

BYU’s journey becomes more challenging with road games and neutral-site matchups. Their strong strength of schedule and games against top teams will determine their true potential this season.

Leading up to their next game against Arizona State, the Cougars are determined to prove themselves as a strong team. With an impressive group that is highly invested in each other’s success and has shown continuous improvement, BYU is confident about its place in the college basketball landscape.

“Last year was a big learning experience,” said guard Richie Saunders. “This year, we are even more prepared and determined to excel.”

Most recent BYU Basketball stories