Mid-major Basketball: 5 programs to watch for 2020-21 season

By Tim Edmonds | Jul 3, 2020

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: TJ Haws #30 of the BYU Cougars gets five from teammate Alex Barcello #4 after making a three point basket during the second half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

4 of 6

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 09: Cameron Pearson #15, Trevin Knell #21 and Taylor Maughan #13 of the Brigham Young Cougars (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Brigham Young University Cougars

The Cougars were another mid-major that had their chance to prove themselves cut short by the Coronavirus pandemic in 2019-20.

With seven seniors leading the way, a National Player of the Year candidate in Yoeli Childs, and 24 wins heading into the NCAA Tournament, Brigham Young was robbed of a deep NCAA Tournament run. Despite this though, all is not lost for Head Coach Mark Pope as he enters his second season.

Reloading his roster for 2020-21 through the transfer portal, the Cougars seem poised to be a contender once again in a top-heavy West Coast Conference (WCC).

Leading the way will be guard Alex Barcello, who after playing his first two seasons at Arizona, chipped in 9.3 ppg while shooting 48.6 percent from three in his first season in Provo. While down low, 7’3 grad transfer Matt Haarms is expected to play big minutes after averaging 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season at Purdue.

Alongside these veterans, Pope welcomes a pair of newcomers from in-state, beginning with Utah Valley transfer guard Brandon Averette who averaged 12.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season and will be eligible immediately.

Additionally, Pope scooped former Utah commit and 3-star recruit Caleb Lohner. A 6’6 forward with range, expect this former Wasatch Academy standout to make an impact on college basketball’s highest level next season.

Home/Mid Major Conferences