Mihailo Boskovic fills the need for a big body banger and a proven rebounder at PF. While any player on the roster has the potential to surprise to the upside, looks like Bosko has to beat out either Mag or Catchings to log major minutes. In the absence of injuries up front, it's difficult to project him into a significant role. Bosko is rebounding insurance, but he's a longshot to make the rotation.

Regarding the summary below, I'm most certain that some things written herein will be proven wrong:

1. Egor Demin--He'll be 19 years old by the time March Madness gets underway, by which time he is expected to be more than ready lottery pick. Consensus that he is playing a level higher in practices. Minutes-75%

2. Dawson Baker--Elite analyst Bart Torvic has Baker projected as #1 BYU player and I had him there before Demin was signed. Every report from practice tells us Baker is 100% back and two years better than his stellar contributions on a top 100 team at Irvine. He is very much Eli Bryant like, an excellent shooter, with the unlimited ability to create a good shot in the paint a la Jimmer (not saying he has Jimmer's deep shot range).This team's primary go to guy. Minutes-65%

3. Hall--The clear leader on a surprisingly strong team last season, expect more skill enhancements for 2025 as he is pushed by exceptional freshmen Elijah Crawford and Egor. Minutes-60%

4. Richie Saunders--We've been underrating Richie for too long. His exceptional motor has never been in question and his #27 finish in offensive rating last season was paced by his 64% 2pt FG percentage and wonderfully low turnover rate. My guess is he is perfect 6th man. Why worry about who starts when he'll log major minutes and receive plenty of attention from that 6th man role. Minutes-55%

5. Keba Keita--Fairly new to the game makes him a late bloomer with a steep improvement curve. No one wants to guard him in practice but Fouss does it, making them both better. Keba cut his turnover rate in half year over year which is a major difference maker for me. Minutes-48%

6. Mawot Mag--Close call between Mag and Catchings in the 5th starter spot. He has never posted good offensive numbers and his turnover rate has been too high every year. But his defensive acumen is very highly regarded and obviously that accounts for half the game. Minutes-45%

7. Fousseyni Traore--We have been touting Fouss as the emerging starting center since before his freshman year began and projected him as the starter before Harward and Baxter went down with injuries in 2022. He remains a very important piece but at this point it looks like KY has recruited a bigger better rim runner in Keita. Fouss could raise his game by lowering his too high turnover rate, improving his pick and roll defense, and yet challenge Keba for excellence. Minutes-42%.

8. Kanon Catchings--A multitalented potential first round draft pick who could work his way into the starting lineup, Catchings is a near certain major minutes player. With multigenerational pros among his nurturing family, would expect he is one who knows the right way to play. How well a youngster shoots under the bright lights is always a question. What BYU doesn't have is a proven second rebounder to share the load with their able centers. The plan is that Mag and/or Catchings can rebound at a high level. Minutes-42%

9. Trevin Knell--Until someone overtakes the shot doctor, we're assuming Knell's high percentage shooting and defensive hustle should keep him in the mix. Knell seems undervalued by Cougar Nation. But KY likes analytics & Knell has been top 75 in Nation for offensive efficiency in 2021 and 2024. His extremely low turnover rate and adequacy on defense is sometimes overlooked. If he shoots 40%+ from the arc he plays. Minutes-40%

10. Elijah Crawford--Would be BYU's most prized recruit in most years past. He is such a natural at PG, but may need a year or two to obtain the goods to lead his older teammates. Nevertheless, he is sure to step up in moments and when his shot is falling, he could become a significant upside major minute surprise. Minutes-< 30%

11. Brody Kozlowski--Signed this legit prospect after all. These four spots (8-11), is mostly about which player shoots best. Veteran Knell is the favorite but the 3 freshman all shot well in HS. Koz HS stats tell us he also likes rebounding and that is a need. He also enjoyed superior mentoring from accomplished family ballers. Minutes-<30%

12. Mihailo Boskovic--Fills the need for a big body banger and a proven rebounder at PF. While any player on the roster has the potential to surprise to the upside, looks like Bosko has to beat out either Mag or Catchings to log major minutes. In the absence of injuries among major minute bigs, it's difficult to project him into major minutes. Boskovic is rebounding insurance, but he's a longshot to make the rotation. Minutes-<30%

13. Trey Stewart-- We love him as much as any player on the roster. He plays with passion. His intelligence, wisdom, and inspiration should add to team chemistry. We don't know if he has improved enough to earn a significant role.

14. Max Tripplet--Before Bosko, Tripp was best prospect to fill what some believe is BYU's biggest hole, i.e. the need for a 3rd center should Keba or Fouss be injured or get in foul trouble.

15. Tripple--See Max Tripplet

16. Mboup--17 year old who skipped his senior year in high school in favor of a superior group of coaches at BYU who might steepen his learning curve for this very high potential prospect. He could surprise to upside. Only he knows what is in his heart. If he can help significantly this season, call him a next level prospect.

17. McGregor--He'll have a few fun moments and add to team unity on and off the court.

Like last season, I believe this team is underrated. I recognize it's still good to be ranked at #9 in the Big 12. However, don't be surprised if one or more players are not cleared to play for early games.

My baseline at this point is top 5 in the Big 12.

Go Cougs!