How is BYU Basketball performing?

With the basketball season well underway, most D1 rosters are complete. The Big 12 Conference is about to kick off another exciting season, with four new teams and a reputation as one of the most competitive leagues in college basketball. Here’s a first look at how the Big 12 teams stack up heading into the 2024-25 season, with updates on returning players, transfers and new recruits.

Last season: 23-11, NCAA Tournament Second Round

Key players returning: C Hunter Dickinson, F KJ Adams Jr., G Dejuan Harris Jr.

Notable additions: G AJ Storr (Wisconsin), G Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State), F Rylen Griffen (Alabama), C Flory Bidunga (5-star recruit)

Kansas has built on an already impressive lineup with a mix of returning talent and new recruits. American center Hunter Dickinson remains the anchor of a roster packed with talent and depth, once again making the Jayhawks the team to beat.

Final season: 32-5, NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Key players returning: G LJ Cryer, G Emmanuel Sharp, F J’Wan Roberts, F Ja’Vier Francis

Notable addition: G Milos Uzan (Oklahoma)

The majority of Houston’s core returns, which is a testament to head coach Kelvin Sampson’s ability to retain great players. Houston will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the league. Despite losing Jamal Shead, the addition of Milos Uzan from Oklahoma fills the hole at point guard, keeping the Cougars very competitive.

Last season: 11/24, NCAA Tournament Second Round

Key players returning: G Jayden Nunn, G Langston Love, C Josh Ojianwuna

Notable additions: F Norchad Omier (Miami), G Jeremy Roach (Duke), G Jalen Celestine (California), F VJ Edgecombe (5-star recruit)

Baylor’s roster has had significant turnover, but they have managed to retain head coach Scott Drew (despite an offer from Kentucky’s head coach) and have replaced departing players with top transfers and recruits. Newcomers like Omier and Roach are expected to contribute right away as Baylor looks for another strong season.

Last season: 29-8, NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Returning key players: G Tamin Lipsey, G Keshon Gilbert, G Curtis Jones, Wing Milan Momcilovic

Notable additions: F Joshua Jefferson (Saint Mary’s), C Dishon Jackson (Charlotte), G Nojus Indrusaitis (4-star recruit)

With their leading scorers returning, Iowa State should be poised for another impressive run. The additions of Jefferson and Jackson bring added strength, size and versatility to a deep lineup.

Final season: 27-9, NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Returning key players: G Caleb Love, G Jaden Bradley, Wing KJ Lewis

Notable additions: F Trey Townsend (Oakland), F Anthony Dell’Orso (Campbell), C Tobe Awaka (Tennessee), F Carter Bryant (4-star recruit)

Arizona’s roster is as strong as ever with Caleb Love de-selecting from the NBA draft and a few new faces. Townsend and Dell’Orso, along with new recruit Carter Bryant, should give the Wildcats the edge they need to be a strong contender in their first Big 12 season.

Last season: 11/23, NCAA Tournament First Round

Key players returning: F Darrion Williams, G Chance McMillian, F Devan Cambridge

Notable additions: G Elijah Hawkins (Minnesota), F JT Toppin (New Mexico), C Federicko Federicko (Pittsburgh)

Texas Tech faced a pressing recruiting challenge with leading scorers Isaacs (transferred) and Touissant (no remaining eligibility) gone, but the incoming transfers offer some hope. Hawkins, Toppin and Federicko are expected to make significant contributions quickly.

Last season: 22-15, NIT quarterfinals

Returning key players: Wing Dan Skillings Jr., Wing Simas Lukosius, G Day Day Thomas, G Jizzle James, C Aziz Bandaogo

Notable additions: F Dillon Mitchell (Texas), G Connor Hickman (Bradley), F Arrinten Page (USC), Wing Tyler Betsey (4-star recruit)

Cincinnati returns a strong core and has added depth with key transfers. Mitchell’s arrival from Texas strengthens their frontcourt, making the Bearcats a balanced and competitive team.

Final season: 23-11, NCAA Tournament First Round

Key players returning: G Dallin Hall, Wing Richie Saunders, G Trevin Knell, F Fousseyni Traore

Notable additions: Wing Egor Demin (2024 international recruit), F Mawot Mag (Rutgers), C Keba Keita (Utah), G Elijah Crawford (4-star recruit), F Kanon Catchings (4-star recruit)

Under new head coach Kevin Young, BYU has exceeded expectations in building its roster. By retaining key players and signing top prospects like Egor Demin, Young is building a roster that can hold its own in the Big 12.

Last season: 19-15, NIT first round

Key players returning: F David N’Guessan, Wing Macaleab Rich

Notable additions: G Dug McDaniel (Michigan), F Achor Achor (Samford), G Max Jones (CS Fullerton), C Ugonna Onyenso (Kentucky), G Brenden Hausen (Villanova), G David Castillo (4-star recruit)

Kansas State is reloading with a new set of transfers and recruits. McDaniel and Onyenso are expected to play crucial roles as the Wildcats look to make a splash.

Final season: 17-16, NIT first round

Returning key players: G Jaylin Sellers, G Darius Johnson

Notable additions: F Keyshawn Hall (George Mason), G Mikey Williams (Memphis), Wing JJ Taylor (Memphis), C Moustapha Thiam (4-star recruit)

Returning top scorers Sellers and Johnson provide a strong backcourt for UCF. They have also added promising talent like Thiam, who has been reclassified to the class of 2024, which significantly strengthens their roster.

Last season: 21-13, first round NCAA tournament

Main returnee: C Ernest Udeh Jr.

Notable additions: G Frankie Collins (Arizona State), Wing Trazerian White (UNC Wilmington), G Noah Reynolds (Wisconsin-Green Bay), G RJ Jones (Kansas State)

TCU enters the season with many new faces. The addition of Collins and White brings defensive strength and offensive potential to complement Udeh’s presence in the paint.

Last season: 9-23, no postseason

Key returner: Wing Ofri Nevah

Notable additions: F Tucker DeVries (Drake), G Javon Small (Oklahoma State), F Amani Hansberry (Illinois), G Jayden Stone (Detroit Mercy), G Sencire Harris (Illinois)

With a roster built from scratch under coach Darian DeVries, West Virginia is counting on its transfers to turn the tide. DeVries and Small, both highly regarded transfers, are expected to lead the Mountaineers.

Final season: 14-18, No postseason

Returning key players: G Adam Miller, C Shawn Phillips Jr.

Notable additions: Wing BJ Freeman (Wisconsin-Milwaukee), G Alston Mason (Missouri State), C Jayden Quaintance (5-star recruit), G Joson Sanon (4-star recruit)

Arizona State is rebuilding with a mix of young recruits and experienced transfers. The team’s success will be determined by how quickly players like Freeman and Mason adapt to the higher level of competition.

Last season: 22-15, NIT semifinals

Returning key players: G Gabe Madsen, C Lawson Lovering, G Hunter Erickson

Notable additions: F Ezra Ausar (East Carolina), Wing Mike Sharavjamts (San Francisco), G Miro Little (Baylor), G Mason Madsen (Boston College)

Utah faces a challenging first season in the Big 12. New signings like Ausar and Sharavjamts will have to step up to fill the void left by departing players and keep the Utes competitive.

Last season: 12-20, No postseason

Key players returning: Wing Bryce Thompson, G Jamyron Keller

Notable additions: G Khalil Brantley (LaSalle), G Arturo Dean (Florida International), G Davonte Davis (Arkansas), F Abou Ousmane (Xavier)

Oklahoma State is rebuilding after a tough season. Keeping Thompson and adding transfers like Brantley and Davis were key to the Cowboys trying to improve on last year’s disappointing season.

Final season: 26-11, second round NCAA tournament

Key players returning: G Julian Hammond III, G RJ Smith

Notable additions: Wing Andrej Jakimovski (Washington State), Wing Trevor Baskin (Colorado Mesa), C Elijah Malone (Grace), G Andrew Crawford (4-star recruit)

Colorado will have to rely on new talent in their first Big 12 season. Transfers like Jakimovski and recruit Crawford will make a difference as they adapt to the conference’s competitive environment.

With seven teams in the projected top 25, the Big 12 maintains its reputation as the toughest place to play basketball. While these power rankings may be way too early, we know next season will be an exciting one.