About this episode
AJ Dybantsa silences critics with a 40-point outburst, propelling the BYU Cougars to a commanding win over Kansas State and sparking debate about the true Big 12 Player of the Year. Is Dybantsa undeniably the conference’s top talent, even as Jaden Bradley claims the award? Jake Hatch spotlights Dybantsa’s efficiency—shooting 15 of 21 from the field, tallying 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and a +25 plus-minus—and argues why this performance cements him as the Big 12’s best. Hatch also examines how BYU overcame first-half adversity and a hot-shooting Kansas State squad, crediting key defensive adjustments and balanced contributions from Kennard Davis Jr., Aleksej Kostic, Rob Wright, and Khadim Mboup.
Looking ahead, BYU’s quest for revenge ramps up as they face West Virginia in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament. Hatch explores Head Coach Kevin Young’s determination to “give it to West Virginia” after a disappointing loss just 11 days prior, and breaks down matchups with weapons like Honor Huff. He assesses BYU’s NCAA Tournament seeding prospects, the significance of a potential run against Houston, and how wins in Kansas City could push the Cougars from a 6-seed to the brink of a coveted 5-seed slot. Hatch also highlights how Dybantsa’s electrifying play has caught national attention, leading ESPN to elevate BYU’s next matchup to ESPN2 for a wider audience.
Transitioning to BYU football, the spotlight shifts to the wide receiver room, where Jojo Phillips, Kyler Kasper, and a troupe of towering talents are poised to reshape BYU’s passing attack. With multiple receivers standing 6’4” or taller—including Reggie Frischknecht, Kila Keone, and Jett Nelson—Hatch questions whether Bear Bachmeier will have the biggest and most dynamic targets in the Big 12. He dissects how open competition during spring ball could drive breakout performances and why wide receivers coach Fesi Sitake’s demand for on-field production may spark the next generation of BYU playmakers.
Don’t miss this action-packed analysis of BYU basketball’s postseason surge, Dybantsa’s NBA-ready star power, and a football program engineering a twin tower revolution—only on Locked On Cougars.
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