When Kevin Young took over the BYU basketball program, it marked a new era filled with excitement and optimism. With years of NBA experience, Young brought with him a powerful recruiting pitch that attracted top-tier talent, including promising players like Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings. However, a noticeable trend has emerged under Young’s leadership—players like Demin and Catchings, who are expected to leave for the NBA after just one season, set a pattern for BYU’s roster. This “one-and-done” approach has become a hallmark of top-tier programs like Duke, Kansas, and Gonzaga, and it appears BYU is poised to follow suit.
As the season progresses, and with BYU’s next game against Fresno State on the horizon, it’s clear that the landscape of college basketball at BYU is changing rapidly. The question remains: will this strategy of frequent roster turnover bring success, or could it hinder the program’s long-term growth? Below, we break down the key pros and cons of a “one-and-done” roster as Coach Kevin Young continues to build his vision for BYU basketball.
Pros of the One-and-Done Strategy
1. Access to Elite Talent
The most obvious benefit of the “one-and-done” approach is that BYU can attract some of the best young talent in the country. Kevin Young’s NBA pedigree, having coached at the professional level, offers a major selling point for players looking to make the leap to the next level. Young can promise top recruits, like Demin and Catchings, that they will receive the development needed to make it to the NBA, which in turn brings elite athletes to the program.
With this model, BYU basketball is positioned to see a level of talent that has never been present before. Players with NBA potential now see BYU as a legitimate stepping stone to their professional careers. This is a game-changer for the program, allowing the Cougars to compete with the nation’s elite teams for top recruits.
2. Reputation and Long-Term Recruiting Power
When players with high NBA potential come to BYU and go on to achieve success at the next level, it creates a lasting recruiting pipeline. The more players who leave BYU and are drafted, the more credibility the program gains with future recruits. Kevin Young’s experience with NBA players adds an invaluable layer of legitimacy to BYU’s program, making it even more attractive to elite prospects.
This is a long-term investment in the program’s success. As more players make the jump to professional basketball, BYU’s reputation as an NBA factory will grow, bringing in even more highly sought-after recruits. This, in turn, will help BYU consistently compete at a high level.
Cons of the One-and-Done Strategy
1. Roster Instability and Turnover
One of the more immediate challenges of a “one-and-done” system is the constant roster turnover. With key players leaving after a single season, the team struggles with maintaining continuity. New players need time to gel and develop chemistry with each other, and this can be a difficult hurdle to overcome during a season.
Moreover, roster changes often come with a learning curve. Players have to adapt quickly to new teammates and coaching styles, which can affect team dynamics and on-court performance. BYU has already seen the effects of this in their early-season struggles, particularly in close losses to teams like Ole Miss and Providence.
However, there’s also an upside to this challenge—adversity can often lead to greater team unity. If BYU can overcome these early season bumps, the team may develop the resilience needed for a strong postseason push.
2. Potential Focus on Individual Draft Prospects
Another potential downside to the “one-and-done” approach is the risk that players may become too focused on their personal draft stock rather than the success of the team. When a player knows they will only be at BYU for a single season, they may prioritize their individual performance in front of NBA scouts over the team’s goals.
While this doesn’t always lead to selfish play, the temptation to showcase individual talents can sometimes lead to conflicts with team-oriented strategies. A player’s focus may shift from making the extra pass or playing unselfish basketball to performing in ways that will boost their draft stock, which may not always align with what’s best for the team’s overall success.
What Does This Mean for BYU Basketball?
While the “one-and-done” system comes with both significant advantages and challenges, there’s no denying that the potential rewards for BYU basketball are substantial. If the program can consistently attract top-tier talent, they’ll have a shot at making deep runs in the NCAA tournament and perhaps even contend for a national championship in the coming years.
However, BYU will need to balance its focus on player development and individual success with building team chemistry and a cohesive playing style. If Young can find that balance, BYU could become a perennial powerhouse in college basketball.
In the meantime, the Cougars will continue their journey, one game at a time. Their next opportunity comes with a crucial matchup against Fresno State on December 11th. No matter what, the future of BYU basketball under Kevin Young looks incredibly bright, with endless possibilities for growth and success.