BYU Big Man Keba Keita to Return to BYU for Senior Year

BYU returns a big piece to next season’s roster as starting center Keba Keita announced he will return to BYU for his senior season.

Keba started all 35 games he played in for the Cougars, averaging 7.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 67% shooting from the field. After a bit of a slow stretch on the middle of Big 12 play, Keita played his best ball the last 6 weeks of the season and was one of the best bigs in the conference. Keita is one of the best rebounders in the nation, ranking 8th nationally in offensive rebound percentage and 13th nationally. Those stats ranked 1st and 5th in Big 12 play, respectively. Keba’s rim protection also was a big factor in some of BYU’s biggest wins, including 7 total blocks in BYU’s two tournament wins over VCU and Wisconsin.

Keita shot just 41% from the foul line, which will be a big emphasis from him this offseason. If Keita can even get to the 60s that will improve his value on the floor in late-game situations.

With Keiba’s announcement, BYU now awaits the decision of returnees Richie Saunders, Dawson Baker, Brody Kozlowski, Egor Demin, and Mihailo Boskovic. I expect Richie, Dawson, and Brody all to return to BYU next season. I don’t have as clear of a read on Egor or Mihailo.