Kevin Young’s Coaching Philosophy: Communication is Key

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young

In a recent interview on the KSL Sports Zone, BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young shared his strengths as a coach. Young emphasized the importance of communication, citing it as a key factor in his ability to carve out a role in the NBA.

“I think just communication. That’s how I was able to carve out a role in the NBA. I try to be as prepared and study as I can before I talk to any player in a team setting,” Young said. “And with that, being direct and taking a lot of the fluff out of it.”

Young’s experience working with high-profile NBA athletes such as Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and Joel Embiid has undoubtedly shaped his coaching philosophy. As the lines between professional and college ranks continue to blur, Young is leaning into his NBA background in his role at BYU.

“I think guys are drawn to the truth. Guys don’t want you to waste their time and guys want to know how you can help get them better. So that’s kind of what I gravitated to.”

Young is leading BYU basketball into a new era, and his communication approach is already yielding results. He and his staff have extended scholarship offers to top prospects, including Utah Prep’s AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s number-one recruit for the 2025 class, as well as five-star forward Bryce Heard from Illinois and four-star Hudson Greer from Texas.

Young’s coaching style is centered around direct communication

Young’s next task is to finalize his 2024-25 roster and round out his coaching staff, which has three openings. BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe announced that the staff would be finalized in the coming days.

Young’s NBA experience is an asset in his role at BYU

As Young navigates the college basketball landscape, his commitment to honest and direct communication is likely to resonate with his players and set him apart as a coach.