The Evolution of BYU Basketball: What to Expect from Kevin Young’s Offense
As the dust settles on Mark Pope’s departure, BYU basketball fans are left wondering what the future holds for their beloved Cougars. With Kevin Young at the helm, the team is poised to build on the ‘rim and three’ offensive philosophy that brought them so much success last season. But what exactly does this mean for the team’s strategy, and how will Young’s experience in the NBA influence the Cougars’ gameplay?
Last season, BYU became known for their reliance on the three-point shot, taking an average of 32 shots per game and making 11.3 of them. This strategy led to some thrilling victories, including a big win against Iowa State in the Marriott Center and a stunning upset of Kansas in Phog Allen. However, it also resulted in some painful losses, such as the upset against Oklahoma State and the disappointing defeat to Duquesne.
Despite these setbacks, BYU fans were hopeful that the team was on the verge of a breakout season. But with Pope gone and new faces on the coaching staff and roster, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next?
According to Young, the answer lies in building on the ‘rim and three’ philosophy that already exists as a core part of the team. This means continuing to shoot the long-range shot when it’s open, or attacking the rim with aggression. Young’s experience coaching NBA players like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant has taught him the importance of developing a well-rounded offense, and he’s eager to bring this expertise to BYU.
“What I really want to grow with our guys at BYU is being able to shoot those same pull-ups but shooting them from 3. The skill set of being able to shoot 3s off the dribble is the next generation and wave of NBA play.” - Kevin Young
One key aspect of Young’s offense will be the use of a five-out system, where all five players are spaced around the 3-point line to spread the floor. This will create more opportunities for players to drive to the rim or shoot from beyond the arc, and will require opponents to be more agile in their defense.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that BYU will be living and dying by the three-point shot alone. Young’s experience has also taught him the importance of situational awareness and IQ, which were sometimes lacking in close games last season. With his guidance, the Cougars can expect to be more strategic in their decision-making, particularly in crunch time.
The Cougars are looking to build on their ‘rim and three’ offense under Kevin Young’s leadership.
In summary, BYU fans can expect more of the same high-octane offense that they grew to love last season, with an added emphasis on attacking the rim and developing a more well-rounded skill set. With Young at the helm, the Cougars are poised to take their game to the next level.
Mark Pope’s departure has left a void in the BYU basketball program, but Kevin Young is ready to step in and lead the team to success.
