๐ฅ Why Kevin Young is Crafting BYUโs Most Challenging Nonconference Schedule Yet
Head coach Kevin Young is revolutionizing BYU basketballโs approach to its nonconference slate, and the reasons are strategic and far-reaching:
1. Prepare for Big 12 Battlefield
BYU enters one of the nationโs toughest leagues. Young has emphasized the importance of testing his squad earlyโbeating the same tough opponents during nonconference play that theyโll face nightly in conference: โplay harder teamsโฆ getting some harder games early to learn more about ourselvesโ . Facing quality opponents sharpens both team identity and resilience on and off the court.
2. Evaluate Lineups & Build Depth
Young has employed an unusually deep rotationโoften using 10โ13 players per game, even in close contestsโto assess talent, build chemistry, and cultivate trust . Playing formidable opponents lets him test diverse lineups well before postseason pressure, affording him flexibility when it counts.
3. Sharpened Roster, Sharper Results
Early challenges exposed weaknessesโsuch as playmaking struggles and defensive lapsesโthat Young addressed midseason. That pivot fueled a stunning nine-game Big 12 winning streak, including blowouts over Kansas and Arizona . These early tests made later success possible.
4. Elevate Recruiting & Player Development
Youngโs NBA pedigree and willingness to engage in tough scheduling signal to recruits and current players that BYU is serious about becoming a national power . It also builds player resumes for draft and NIL appealโsupporting both competitive and individual ambitions.
TL;DR: Kevin Young isnโt just scheduling tough games for looks. Itโs a purpose-driven strategy: test the roster early, broaden rotations, boost team identity, and build a national-level program ready for the Big 12โand beyond.
