BYU Basketball is gearing up for a competitive 2024-25 season, with some intriguing new talent and key returning players. They’re entering their second season in the Big 12 conference, which has expanded further and remains one of the toughest leagues in college basketball.

Key Players to Watch:

Fousseyni Traore (Center/Forward) – Heading into his senior season, Traore is expected to be a major contributor. He's worked on extending his shooting range and, if successful, could become an All-Big 12 player.

Dallin Hall (Point Guard) – Hall was a steady performer last season, averaging 9.0 points and 5.1 assists per game. As the floor general, the team's success will largely depend on his playmaking and scoring consistency.

Richie Saunders (Guard) – Saunders was a strong bench presence last year and could have an even bigger role this season.

Dawson Baker – After dealing with injuries last year, Baker is expected to make an impact as he returns fully healthy.

Notable New Additions:

Egor Demin – A 6-9 freshman guard from Russia who played for Real Madrid's youth team. He's a versatile scorer with high potential and could make an immediate impact.

Kannon Catchings – A 6-9 freshman ranked as the No. 41 prospect nationally. His size and defensive potential make him a valuable addition on the wing.

Collin Chandler – The highest-rated recruit BYU has signed in the internet era (No. 14 overall). After returning from a mission, Chandler is expected to contribute immediately.

Departures:

BYU will be without some key players from last season, including Jaxson Robinson, Spencer Johnson, and Noah Waterman, who all transferred or graduated. These losses will challenge the team’s depth and experience.

Expectations and Schedule:

BYU finished 23-11 last year and made it to the NCAA Tournament, but lost in the first round. This season, their non-conference schedule includes games against Ole Miss, Purdue, and Providence. They are currently ranked No. 42 in the preseason CBB rankings, indicating they should be in contention for another NCAA Tournament berth​(

With these new additions and a strong returning core, the team has the potential to build on last year’s performance, but it will need to stay healthy and gel quickly given the challenges of the Big 12 schedule.