Is BYU Becoming a Basketball School?

The Cougars’ new men’s basketball coach Kevin Young has brought new hope to the program.

As I reflect on the current state of BYU athletics, I can’t help but wonder: is BYU becoming a basketball school? It seems like the Cougars’ basketball team has a better chance of reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament before the football team reaches the College Football Playoff.

The hiring of Kevin Young as the new men’s basketball coach has brought a renewed sense of excitement to the program. With the types of players he’s already brought in, and could be bringing in, before preseason training camp begins in October, the ceiling for the team looks higher than ever.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Football has traditionally been king in Provo, aside from perhaps the Jimmer years (2009-11) when both sports were more relevant nationally than they are now. However, with the football team struggling to find its footing in the Big 12, it’s hard not to wonder if the tide is shifting.

“Excitement is kinda the word that jumps to mind,” BYU guard Dallin Hall said last week as the team began summer workouts and practices. “We get a whole offseason to figure things out. There is a little bit of uncertainty, I would say, just on how we all fit together. We are still learning what (Young) likes, and doesn’t like.”

This has to be the most anticipated BYU basketball season in recent memory. But let’s not forget that the Cougars haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2012, and have lost their last five tournament games.

The football team, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-7 season last year.

As for football, the team is looking to prove themselves in the Big 12. With a tough schedule ahead, it’s hard to predict how they’ll fare. But one thing is certain: they need to find a top-notch quarterback to lead the team.

“We were part of a losing streak last season (five games) that we weren’t really happy about. And although we were competitive in a lot of the games, especially the last two, we know we can play better,” said head coach Kalani Sitake.

Preseason training camp, which begins in late July, is going to be fun. With the excitement surrounding the basketball team and the uncertainty surrounding the football team, it’s an interesting time to be a BYU sports fan.

The Cougars are looking to make a statement in both basketball and football this season.

In reality, BYU is neither a football school nor a basketball school. Men’s and women’s volleyball, cross-country, and track and field, and women’s soccer have all out-performed the marquee sports in recent years.

But for now, the hype surrounding the basketball team is palpable. Let’s just hope they can live up to the expectations.