In the world of basketball, Kevin Young is making waves as the newly appointed head coach of BYU’s men’s basketball team. This rookie coach, armed with nearly 20 years of experience in the NBA and G League, now faces the daunting task of leading a collegiate team. His coaching journey took a significant turn when he transitioned from being the associate head coach of the Phoenix Suns to the Cougars’ bench in May.
BYU’s Kevin Young: Coaching Chaos and Rising Stars Await
Despite the impressive roster he has assembled, which many would argue rivals the best, Young is acutely aware of the pressure on his shoulders. The stakes are high at BYU, where expectations are through the roof. Enter Mihailo Boskovic, a 6-foot-10 forward from Uzice, Serbia. After shining in the Adriatic League, Boskovic boasts impressive stats: 12.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, plus an MVP title at the FIBA U20 European Championships in 2022. Yet, for all the talent, Young finds himself grappling with one burning question: “What’s his eligibility status?”
Young humorously admits, “I’m learning on the fly, brother; trust me,” highlighting the complexities of transitioning from the NBA to college basketball. His past experience with elite teams like the Suns and 76ers gives him an edge, but collegiate coaching is a whole new ball game. Unlike the structured four-quarter format he’s accustomed to, college games feature two halves, a significant adjustment.
Moreover, Young is navigating the choppy waters of recruiting in today’s landscape, where the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal can make things feel like a high-stakes poker game. His strategic recruiting has already paid off, bringing in standout players like Mawot Mag, a defensive powerhouse from Rutgers, and Keba Keita, a recent transfer from Utah. He’s also landed four-star freshmen, including Brody Kozlowski and Egor Demin, a projected NBA draft pick from Russia who spent years at Real Madrid’s academy.
“The pace at which we can teach is a little bit different here,” Young noted. In the NBA, preseason games are just around the corner after a brief training camp. Here, he relishes the luxury of extended practice time, stating, “I’m genuinely pleased with our progress and the speed at which we’re rolling out our strategies.”
Young has even found an ally in Kalani Sitake, the head coach of BYU’s football program, which is ranked No. 17. As football season heats up, Young has exciting visits lined up, including hosting the No. 1 overall recruit, AJ Dybantsa.
Recently, Young brought the current roster to witness BYU’s football team upset Kansas State. The players were awestruck by the electric atmosphere, especially during the student section’s iconic celebration rituals, including the cannon salute after touchdowns.
Demin, new to American football, couldn’t contain his excitement during the game. When a fumble turned into a touchdown, he quipped, “What’s a fumble?” His new teammate, Trevin Knell, quickly educated him, leading to a humorous exchange.
Despite being new to the collegiate scene, Demin’s basketball acumen shines through. Last season, he averaged 16.0 points and 8.2 rebounds, helping his team secure the Adidas Next Generation Tournament title. “He’s incredibly talented and his understanding of the game is exceptional,” Knell praised. “His leadership qualities are evolving, and his court vision is something to behold.”
As Kevin Young embarks on this thrilling journey at BYU, the excitement is palpable. With fresh faces and high expectations, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates this exhilarating yet challenging chapter in his coaching career.
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