BYU Basketball: Knocking on the Door of the AP Top 25

BYU Basketball has started the 2023-2024 season with a 12-2 record, including a 2-0 mark in the West Coast Conference (WCC). The Cougars have won their last seven games, including an impressive 83-75 victory over then-No. 19 Creighton on November 29th. Their impressive start has propelled them into the national spotlight, with many experts believing they are on the cusp of breaking into the AP Top 25.

Factors Contributing to BYU's Success

Several factors have contributed to BYU's success this season:

• Strong Leadership: Mark Pope has established a winning culture at BYU. He has recruited talented players and developed them into a cohesive unit.
• Balanced Scoring: The Cougars have four players averaging double figures in scoring, which makes them difficult to defend. Gideon George leads the team with 16.7 points per game, followed by Fousseyni Traore (13.6), Jaxon Kohler (12.3), and Spencer Johnson (10.9).
• Excellent Defense: BYU has held opponents to an average of 62.5 points per game, which ranks among the top 25 in the nation. Their length and athleticism make them a formidable defensive presence.

Potential Roadblocks to Top 25 Ranking

While BYU has all the ingredients to be a Top 25 team, there are a few potential roadblocks that could prevent them from reaching that goal:

• Tough Remaining Schedule: The Cougars have 10 games remaining against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25. They will need to perform well in these games to maintain their momentum.
• Lack of Elite Wins: BYU has yet to defeat a team currently ranked in the Top 10. A signature win over a top-tier opponent could solidify their status as a Top 25 team.

Historical Context

BYU has a history of success in college basketball, having reached the NCAA Tournament 24 times. However, they have never been ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll. Their highest ranking was No. 5 in the 1988-1989 season.

Perspective and Analysis

Sports analysts have mixed opinions on BYU's chances of breaking into the Top 25. Some believe they have the talent and potential to make a run, while others caution that the remaining schedule will be a significant challenge.

"BYU has all the pieces in place to be a Top 25 team," said Jay Bilas, a college basketball analyst for ESPN. "They have a good coach, talented players, and a strong home-court advantage. If they can continue to play well, they have a chance to make a statement in the second half of the season."

"BYU has a tough road ahead of them," said Dick Vitale, a college basketball analyst for ESPN. "They have a lot of big games remaining, and they will need to win the majority of them to break into the Top 25. I think they have the potential, but it won't be easy."

Conclusion

BYU Basketball is on the cusp of breaking into the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history. They have a talented team, a strong coaching staff, and a supportive fan base. However, they will need to continue to play well and overcome some significant challenges to achieve their goal. If they can do that, they have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.