BYU Set to Honor a Legend While Staying Focused on the Present Against Colorado
There’s a lot happening in Provo this Saturday, both on and off the court. While BYU prepares to welcome Colorado to the Marriott Center for a Big 12 clash, the spotlight will also shine on a program legend as Jimmer Fredette’s iconic No. 32 jersey takes its rightful place in the rafters.
But before the halftime celebration begins, there’s business to take care of-and for head coach Kevin Young and his No. 22-ranked Cougars, that business is making sure they don’t get caught looking ahead or looking back.
A Potential Trap Game?
Let’s call it what it is: this one has all the makings of a trap game. BYU (18-6, 6-5 Big 12) is coming off an emotional, high-octane 99-94 win at Baylor-a victory that snapped a four-game skid and injected some much-needed momentum back into the Cougars' season. That kind of win can energize a team, but it can also drain one.
Now, they return home to face a Colorado squad that’s been wildly inconsistent, especially on the road. The Buffaloes (14-11, 4-8 Big 12) were just steamrolled by Texas Tech, 78-44, and head coach Tad Boyle didn’t hold back afterward, calling the performance “embarrassing” and questioning his team’s toughness.
That kind of public call-out can go one of two ways: it either lights a fire or deepens the funk. BYU has to be ready for the former.
Bigger Challenges Ahead
It’s not just the emotional hangover from Baylor or the halftime ceremony that could distract BYU-it’s what’s coming next. After Colorado, the Cougars head to Tucson to face No.
1 Arizona. That’s a heavyweight matchup looming just four days later.
But as Young emphasized during his coaches show on Thursday night, the team’s focus needs to remain on stacking good days-one at a time.
“Keeping things in perspective is important,” Young said. “But also telling them the truth and showing them areas that are unacceptable as it relates to execution or effort… or unselfishness. None of those things have been a glaring problem, but we just have to be more consistent.”
That truth-telling approach has been a hallmark of Young’s leadership this season. He’s not sugarcoating things for his players, and they respect that. It’s about accountability and growth-even when the scoreboard says you won.
The Stakes Are Rising
BYU has dropped its last two home games-granted, both were against top-10 teams in Arizona and Houston-but a loss to a struggling Colorado team would hit differently. The Cougars are in a tight race in the Big 12, currently tied for sixth with UCF and West Virginia. A top-four finish would earn them a coveted double-bye in the conference tournament, and every game matters from here on out.
“We feel good about the steps we’ve taken in the season,” Young said. “It is so important to remember just how long of a season it is… You just try to get better.”
That mindset was tested in a loss to Oklahoma State-a game Young called a “big setback”-but overall, the Cougars have been competitive and resilient. Saturday is another opportunity to prove they can stay locked in, regardless of the opponent or the moment.
Breaking Down the Matchup
On paper, BYU should have the upper hand. They opened as a 14-point favorite and come into the weekend ranked No. 19 in the NET and No. 21 in KenPom. Colorado, by contrast, sits at No. 79 in the NET and No. 77 in KenPom.
Still, the Buffaloes have some talent. Four players are averaging double figures, led by guard Isaiah Johnson at 16.1 points per game.
They’ve shown flashes-like a dominant 87-61 win over TCU, the same TCU that just knocked off No. 5 Iowa State.
But those flashes have been rare, especially outside of Boulder.
BYU’s challenge will be to bring the same energy and execution they showed in Waco, even if the stakes feel different.
Jimmer’s Moment
While the game itself carries weight, Saturday’s halftime ceremony will be a moment of celebration for Cougar fans. Jimmer Fredette’s No. 32 jersey will be retired, joining BYU legends like Danny Ainge, Mel Hutchins, Kresimir Cosic, and Roland Minson in the rafters of the Marriott Center.
Fifteen years ago, Fredette captivated the college basketball world. In 2010-11, he averaged 28.9 points per game and led BYU to its highest AP ranking in school history at No.
- “Jimmermania” wasn’t just a nickname-it was a phenomenon.
Now, he returns to Provo to be honored for a career that left an indelible mark on the program.
“What he’s done for this university, and obviously what the university’s done for him, too, has been incredible,” Young said. “It will be an incredible day for him and his family. To have that to be such a forever thing is really special.”
Fredette was one of the first former players to reach out to Young after he took over as head coach last April, and the two have built a strong relationship since.
“This is just a great, great honor for him, and I am excited to be part of it and sit back and watch it,” Young added.
A Star in the Making
As BYU honors one scoring legend, another is making his own case for the spotlight. Freshman forward AJ Dybantsa currently leads the nation in scoring at 24.5 points per game, just ahead of Kansas State’s PJ Haggerty. Over his last six games, Dybantsa has been electric-averaging 30.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds while shooting over 55% from the field.
He’s not just filling the stat sheet-he’s carrying this team offensively, and doing it with the kind of poise that belies his age.
The Bottom Line
Saturday is about more than just one game-it’s about honoring the past while staying focused on the present. BYU has a golden opportunity to build on a momentum-shifting win, stay in the hunt for a top-four Big 12 finish, and celebrate one of the greatest players in program history.
But they’ll need to keep their heads down and their eyes on Colorado first. Because in the Big 12, there are no easy outs-and no room for letdowns.