The urgency surrounding BYU's basketball season was palpable from the start. With a talent like AJ Dybantsa on the roster, there was a clear mandate: win big now or face the uncertainty of rebuilding.
Dybantsa, hailed as the best high school player in over two decades, is a one-and-done talent, having already journeyed through three high schools across the country. His time at BYU is fleeting, and the pressure to capitalize on his presence is immense.
For a while, the Cougars appeared to be on track, but reality hit hard last week. Richie Saunders, a crucial part of BYU’s success, suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
This injury not only dashed dreams but also exposed the team’s vulnerabilities. Dybantsa, alongside Saunders and Rob Wright, formed the formidable "Brig 3," accounting for a staggering 71% of the team's scoring.
Their synergy was the backbone of BYU's offense.
In the aftermath of Saunders' injury, the narrative shifted dramatically. Headlines questioned BYU's readiness to move forward without him.
The Cougars faced No. 4-ranked Arizona on the road, putting up a fight but ultimately falling 75-68. Just weeks earlier, they had lost to the same team by a mere three points at home.
Saunders, who averaged nearly 19 points per game, was more than just a scorer; he was described as the heart and soul of the team. But even before his injury, BYU's season was unraveling.
After a stellar start at 16-1 and a No. 9 national ranking, they hit a rough patch, losing five of their next six games. Their current record stands at 19-7, with a 7-6 mark in the fiercely competitive Big 12 Conference.
The Big 12 is no joke, boasting a track record of Final Four appearances and national championships across multiple teams. BYU's recent struggles coincided with the heart of their Big 12 schedule, facing powerhouses like Texas Tech, Arizona, Kansas, and Houston.
Looking ahead, BYU is set to face No. 6 Iowa State and No.
13 Texas Tech. The loss of Saunders is compounded by other season-ending injuries to key players like Dawson Baker, Nate Pickens, and Brody Kozlowski.
These setbacks weren't part of the plan when BYU went all-in with Dybantsa.
Despite the challenges, Dybantsa and Wright have stepped up. In Saunders' absence, they combined for 59 points, 18 rebounds, and 12 assists to secure an overtime win against Colorado.
However, their combined 48 points against Arizona fell short. The question remains: can they sustain this level of performance and keep BYU's hopes alive?