All articles tagged with #byu cougars
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa told the Wizards they should draft him No. 1 in the 2026 NBA draft, joking that he ’fills seats’ with his draw. He dominated college basketball, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals on 51.0% shooting, while BYU drew strong attendance. Mock drafts have Washington linked to him at No. 1, with analysts noting his fit alongside other scorers as the draft on June 23 approaches.
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa announced his decision to enter the 2026 NBA Draft after a stellar freshman season in which he led the nation in scoring and earned consensus All-America honors; projected as a top-three pick, he plans to finish his mass communications degree at BYU but could depart for the NBA depending on the draft process.
BYU guard Rob Wright will return for his junior season after spurning Kentucky and entering the transfer portal, giving the Cougars a veteran playmaking presence to anchor the backcourt alongside Collin Chandler and Bruce Branch. Wright, who averaged 18.1 points and 4.6 assists last season, will operate in Kevin Young’s system with more spacing as AJ Dybantsa departs, and his camp reportedly explored a bigger NIL payday before deciding to stay at BYU.
Projected No. 1 prospect AJ Dybantsa said he’ll discuss his future with his family and likely declare for the 2026 NBA Draft in the coming weeks after BYU’s first-round exit to Texas; he starred with 35 points and 10 rebounds, and major outlets project him as a top pick (ESPN has him No. 2, with SI and Bleacher Report listing him as a top pick).
BYU is embracing the NIL era and a pro-style, booster-funded model under coach Kevin Young, luring star AJ Dybantsa and other five-star recruits to push the Cougars toward national prominence in the Big 12, all while balancing its LDS mission and the scrutiny that comes with high-spending athletics ahead of March Madness.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoided discussing Parker Kingston’s expulsion and instead emphasized the program’s culture and leadership as spring practice begins, with the Cougars aiming for back-to-back double-digit win seasons. The team returns key players like LJ Martin, who is healing from a shoulder injury, and is looking to fill Kingston’s production while refining its approach and leadership under a “humble and hungry” mindset.
BYU guard Richie Saunders suffered a non-contact knee injury 45 seconds into the home game vs. Colorado, left for the locker room and did not return; with no update yet, his status could threaten BYU's February push.
BYU expelled Parker Kingston, the Cougars’ top receiver in 2025, days after his arrest on a felony rape charge. Kingston appeared in court and was released on a $100,000 bond with conditions (GPS ankle monitor, no contact with the alleged victim or witnesses, and social-media removal), and BYU says he is no longer part of the football program as the investigation continues. A virtual hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25, with a preliminary in-person hearing set for April 13 in St. George.
Anthony Roy scored a season-high 30 to lift Oklahoma State to a 99-92 win over 16th-ranked BYU in Stillwater, despite AJ Dybantsa's 36 for the Cougars.
Oklahoma State defeated BYU 99-92, extending BYU’s losing streak to three games.
Kansas defeated BYU 90-82 in the 1,000th Allen Fieldhouse game, led by Bryson Tiller’s career-high 21 points and Darryn Peterson’s 18 for the Jayhawks, while Richie Saunders poured in 33 for BYU; Kansas built a 53-33 halftime cushion and withstood a late BYU rally, finishing with an 8-4 edge in the final minute.
No. 1 Arizona held off No. 13 BYU 86-83 to remain undefeated at 21-0, with Brayden Burries scoring 29 and delivering a game-saving block in the final seconds while Jaden Bradley added 26. BYU pressed back from a 19-point deficit, but couldn't complete the rally as Arizona survived on the road in Provo.
Arizona Wildcats travel to Provo for a top-15 showdown with No. 13 BYU in a Big Monday matchup. The game airs on ESPN at 7 p.m. MT, with Arizona listed as a 1.5-point favorite and an over/under of 166.5. KenPom gives UA about a 60% chance to win. Watch on ESPN, stream on ESPN.com, listen on Wildcats Radio 1290 AM, and follow AZ Desert Swarm for live chat and updates.
Top-ranked Arizona survived a late BYU push for an 86-83 road win over No. 13 BYU, improving to 21-0 and tying the program’s best-ever start. Brayden Burries scored a career-high 29 and sealed it with a late blocked attempt on Robert Wright after Wright drove the lane; Jaden Bradley added 26 as BYU stayed competitive with 13 threes, but Arizona held on despite a late scare.
No. 11 BYU defeated TCU 76-70 in Provo behind freshman A.J. Dybantsa's 25 points, including a decisive second-half stretch that flipped a 7-point deficit into the lead. TCU tied it at 63 with under four minutes left, but BYU closed with a 10-2 run. Edmonds led TCU with 19 points as BYU dominated the boards 51-35. Dybantsa extended his streak to 10 straight 20-point games. BYU improves to 16-1 (4-0 Big 12) and will visit Utah next.