What a fun time to be on the edge of a new BYU men's basketball season! It's fun seeing all the excitement in Cougar Nation.

Though we have yet to really kick off the season, the information coming in so far about practice sessions, the closed scrimmage with Boise State, and the two recent exhibitions suggest some interesting possibilities. I just want to throw out four names I think might be "under the radar" difference makers this season. These are not the high-profile guys like Demin and Catchings, nor the oft-talked of returnees like Hall - but I think they might surprise us and be difference makers.

* Mihailo Boskovic - I think Boskovic is the biggest impact player that we got through the "transfer portal" this offseason, or maybe in a more accurate statement, through the recruiting process. The two existing concerns with him are: (1) He came to the program "late" in the offseason and so has had much less time to acclimate to the area and the BYU system that is being installed by Coach Young and staff; (2) His eligibility seems to be a bit up in the air for the moment and it is uncertain when it will be settled. But, let's assume he acclimates pretty quickly and gets eligible. What's to like?
- He is an older (22), experienced player in Euroleague play - he is more physically and mentally mature. He is no "true freshman." He has been through the rigors of high-level basketball.
- He is a "missing piece" on this team in the frontcourt that fits the modern style of basketball. He can bang inside, play defense with size, but step out to the three-point line and just drain shots. He has a beautiful stroke from outside - his 3-point shooting thus far in the couple of exhibition matches has been stellar. Look at the stats - high percentage so far from 3 and he seems to have the green light from out there. Played soccer growing up and so has nice footwork.
- He has gotten significant recognition previously for his basketball excellence. Was the MVP of FIBA Under-20 European Championship in 2022. Already has been looked at to some degree in the NBA draft process. I think he's the "hidden gem" on this team.

* Elijah Crawford - I've posted before that I'm really high on Crawford. He is one of the top 10 recruits in BYU history - just overshadowed this year by Demin and Catchings as recruits. But, he's a baller. It seems like there might be limited minutes for him since other "point guard" or playmaker types on the roster include Demin, Dallin Hall, Dawson Baker, and Trey Stewart. We'll assume Stewart is out for a little bit with his knee issue. But, just watching Crawford - he's got juice (energy). He's got moxie (swagger). And, he's got game. On offense, he can make plays for others, get his own shot, and shoot from distance (45%+ as a senior). He just needs seasoning. Crawford will just get better and better and better in this system. He was judged by some to be the BEST point guard recruit in the nation in last year's class. Difference maker.

* Dawson Baker - The worries about Dawson Baker are twofold: (1) Is his foot healthy and stable? (2) How does he fit in Young's system. Right now, the first issue seems to be okay. The second is coming along - it will depend on how Baker adapts and takes steps to function in this system. But:
- Baker is a proven scorer and playmaker. He's a very seasoned college basketball player. He is crafty. He averaged 16+ points per game in his last major season - major scoring ability. At the college level, you need buckets. He's a bucket getter. Second half of the game with CCU - he just went off over a few minutes. Three, layup, three, three. Nineteen points in the scrimmage with Boise State. This is a guy you can rely on to get points and contribute. Difference maker.

* Fousseyni Traore - I don't know why nobody talks about Traore. He's a 3-year proven beast on the block. 12+ points per game, 6+ rebounds per game - and seems healthy. Held out right now, so there is that, but when things get rolling - he's really good. Far better scorer in the post than Keita, far better free throw shooter. We will need a good free throw shooter in Big 12 play who plays on the interior. Fouss is that guy.
- Do you actually remember Traore healthy? Watch the first 8+ games of last season when healthy and without the hamstring issue - explosive! He can hammer it down low. He can run the floor. He gets up off the floor more quickly than anyone but Keita, which is good for both rebounding and defense.
- Proven experience - I think he has just played in a LOT of big games. He is seasoned. He has gotten a lot of baskets in tough situations when BYU needed to score. One of those guys you can throw it to and get a play when the offense is mucked up by tough defense. Difference maker.

Feel free to disagree. Thanks for reading this novel. Welcome any thoughts. Go Cougs!