A New Era of BYU Basketball: The Rise of the Cougars

The BYU basketball program is experiencing an unprecedented wave of momentum, and it’s not hard to see why. The hiring of Kevin Young, the NBA’s highest-paid assistant coach, as head coach has signaled a significant shift in the program’s approach. Gone are the days of doing more with less; the Cougars are now committed to investing in their basketball program like never before.

The new era of BYU basketball has begun.

Young’s seven-year contract, worth a staggering $30 million, is a clear indication of the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level. And it’s not just the coaching staff that’s getting a boost; the program is also attracting top talent, including Real Madrid’s Egor Demin, who will earn a whopping $1.5 million in NIL deals.

Demin is one of the top recruits to join the Cougars.

“It got obvious real quick [in the interview process] that there’s not going to be a lot of things that hold us back here,” said Kevin Young in April. “When you’re trying to lead your own program, that’s a massive thing. I haven’t heard ’no’ a whole lot.”

Young is shaping the future of BYU basketball.

So, what’s behind this sudden influx of resources? One major factor is the support of Utah Jazz and NHL owner Ryan Smith, who has an estimated net worth of over $2 billion. Smith has expressed his desire to help the BYU basketball program in any way he can, and his influence is undoubtedly a significant factor in the program’s newfound success.

Smith’s support is a game-changer for BYU basketball.

Another key factor is the work of BYU’s athletic director, Tom Holmoe, who has been instrumental in securing funding for the program. Holmoe points to the university’s official collective, The Royal Blue, as a significant reason for the uptick in resources.

Holmoe is leading the charge for BYU athletics.

The Royal Blue Collective, which launched in December 2022, aimed to generate $1.5 million in donations for the basketball program. And it’s clear that the collective is having a significant impact, with the program now able to attract top talent and invest in its coaching staff.

The Royal Blue Collective is driving change at BYU.

As the Cougars look to the future, it’s clear that they’re committed to competing at the highest level. With the support of Ryan Smith, Tom Holmoe, and the entire BYU community, the sky’s the limit for this program.

The future is bright for BYU basketball.