Kevin Young is reshaping BYU basketball's roster, but one thing is already clear: he's honoring the program's foundation. By blending elite talent with a strong Latter-day Saint core, Young is building a team that feels both fresh and familiar.
The Cougars landed five-star recruit Bruce Branch III and four-star transfers Tyler Betsey (Syracuse) and Collin Chandler (Kentucky). But what stands out is the half-dozen players raised in the faith's culture—athletes who already know the honor code inside out. No orientation needed.
These players have logged serious miles on the AAU circuit, many with the Utah Prospects, co-founded by longtime coach Tim Davis. The Prospects won the 17-under Adidas Summer Championship in 2023 with current Cougar Brody Kozlowski leading the charge.
Beyond returning senior Dawson Baker, Young's lineup features former top-30 Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler, four-star freshman guard/forwards Dean Rueckert and Brooks Bahr, former Utah and Clemson forward Jake Wahlin, and 6-foot-11 TCU transfer Adam Stewart.
This group brings much-needed leadership after a season plagued by injuries, thin depth, and shaky chemistry. Many players were new to BYU's culture, but this core won't need time to adjust.
We asked Davis—who has watched these players for over a decade—to break down their games. Here's his take on the key pieces.
Collin Chandler (6-4, Guard/Forward, Junior) – The former Mr. Utah Basketball out of Farmington chose BYU over Utah, Arizona, and Utah State before serving a church mission. Now he's back, bringing top-30 talent and a chip on his shoulder after his stint at Kentucky.
