FULL COURT REVIEW: MODELO'S BIG 12 BASKETBALL TEAM RECAPS: BYU: Mitch Harper, BYU Insider for KSL Sports, Joins Big 12 Today!

Big 12 Today Recaps the 2025-2026 Season!

Join Ari and James for a full court review of the 2025-2026 Big 12 basketball season. In Modelo's Big 12 Basketball Team Recaps, this episode features BYU.

During the review, Ari and James analyze the BYU Cougars' season, noting the team's abundant talent but also how injuries impacted their performance.

The discussion highlights freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa's dominant season and emphasizes how Richie Saunders' injury posed significant challenges. They explore areas for potential growth in the offseason, especially with Kevin Young's ability to recruit NBA-ready players. The conversation concludes with their insights on what lies ahead for the Cougars in the upcoming season.

Mitch Harper, BYU Insider for KSL Sports, joined Big 12 Today to reflect on the recent season for the BYU Cougars. Mitch highlighted that the team did not meet expectations and called the season a missed opportunity, especially considering AJ Dybantsa’s presence on the roster.

He pointed out that the team’s inability to advance past the first round in the NCAA Tournament was disappointing. Injuries, particularly Richie Saunders’ injury, played a major role—Mitch described Saunders’ injury as deflating and noted it increased the burden on Dybantsa.

Despite Dybantsa exceeding expectations, Mitch acknowledged the leadership challenges he faced without the team’s heart and soul. Looking ahead, Mitch discussed Rob Wright’s potential transfer, stating it will likely come down to BYU or Kentucky, and emphasizing that another year with Wright would be highly beneficial. He stressed the need for defensive improvements next season, praising Kevin Young’s recruiting of scorers but emphasizing that defense should be a priority, even though the team played better overall defense down the stretch.

Regarding Bruce Branch III’s commitment to BYU, Mitch described him as a different player from Dybantsa, expecting him to be a one-and-done at the college level. He highlighted Branch’s youth at 17, his potential as a strong on-ball defender, and his talent as a shooter, expressing excitement about his addition to the program.

Mitch also noted that AJ Dybantsa has not officially declared for the NBA Draft, although it is widely expected he will do so.

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