Kevin Young’s Success at BYU
DENVER — Kevin Young was appointed as the men’s basketball coach at Brigham Young University (BYU) 11 months ago, and President Shane Reese hailed him as “an absolutely brilliant basketball mind who is going to take the Cougars to the next level.”
First NCAA Tournament Appearance
Young’s team has recently made history by reaching the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32 for the first time since 2011, marking a significant achievement that indicates they have indeed reached the “next level,” much to President Reese’s delight.
Enthusiasm from Cougar Nation
“I believe all of Cougar Nation is thrilled with how this team has performed,” Reese shared in BYU’s locker room at Ball Arena in Denver. “Their representation of the university, coupled with their remarkable achievements on the court, has surpassed our expectations.”
Gratitude for the Coaching Transition
Reese noted the surprise at how few considered Young as a potential successor to Mark Pope, acknowledging Pope’s contributions while expressing excitement about Young’s current success and the bright future ahead for BYU basketball.
A Historic Victory
After a shaky start to the Big 12 season at 2-4, BYU dramatically improved, winning 13 of their last 16 games before the NCAA Tournament. Their recent game saw them recover from a slow start against the VCU Rams to secure an 80-71 victory.
A Day to Remember
A sea of royal blue supporters filled the stands in Denver, including notable alumni like Jimmer Fredette and Taysom Hill. Reese reflected on the amazing atmosphere, stating it was a fantastic display of loyalty to Cougar athletics.
Looking Ahead
With a background in sports analytics, Reese emphasizes the importance of transition play for BYU as they prepare to face the 3 seed Wisconsin in pursuit of advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. “If we can maintain our pace in transition, I believe we have a strong chance,” Reese concluded.
