The BYU Cougars basketball program enters the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations and national spotlight intensity not seen since the Jimmer Fredette era. Head coach Kevin Young has assembled a roster featuring five-star freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa, the nation's top recruit, alongside experienced transfers and returning talent that could propel BYU deep into March Madness.

Former BYU assistant coach Tim LaComb provides exclusive insider analysis from recent practice observations, breaking down the Cougars' roster construction and Kevin Young's NBA-influenced coaching philosophy. The Big 12 Conference presents brutal competition, but BYU's depth and versatility position them as legitimate contenders.

Richie Saunders emerges as the Cougars' cornerstone player, with LaComb projecting All Big 12 honors and potential NBA draft consideration. The guard's transformation showcases improved decision-making, defensive intensity, and leadership qualities essential for tournament success. Transfer Rob Wright III brings explosive scoring ability from Boise State, though consistency and shot selection remain development areas.

AJ Dybantsa faces the inevitable freshman adjustment period despite his elite talent. LaComb candidly discusses the physical demands of Big 12 basketball, the mental challenges of meeting sky-high expectations, and how the 18-year-old prodigy must navigate college competition's learning curve. Supporting cast members Keba Keita, Kennard Davis Jr., and Dawson Baker provide crucial depth and experience.

The conversation explores how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) has fundamentally transformed college basketball recruiting from relationship-driven to transaction-based, impacting team chemistry and player development. LaComb warns about "the disease of me" threatening talented rosters when individual agendas overshadow collective goals.

Can BYU basketball avoid chemistry pitfalls and maximize their Final Four potential? Kevin Young's first-year coaching system, roster management, and ability to blend NBA principles with college basketball realities will determine whether the Cougars deliver on championship expectations or fall victim to hype.

This episode delivers essential insights for BYU fans, college basketball enthusiasts, and anyone following the evolution of NIL's impact on NCAA athletics. Get the insider perspective on whether this BYU Cougars roster has the mental toughness and cohesion to achieve greatness.

Join the Locked On Cougars Insider Group by clicking here! There is a free 14-day trial before you're charged anything

Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. 

Support Us By Supporting Our Locked On Podcast Network Sponsors!

Quo: See why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE

Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com

DoorDash: With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18

Mazda: It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. 
Mazda. Move and Be Moved

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply

Monarch: Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarch.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year

FanDuel: Right now, new customers can bet just five dollars and get three hundred in bonus bets if you win. Go to FanDuel.com to get started

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.

If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at [email protected].

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.