9. BYU (7-1)
Some slow starts have really plagued BYU this season but let’s not act like this isn’t a really talented team with significant potential. The presence of AJ Dybantsa is one thing, but there’s other experience and talent on BYU’s roster and a big reason for those notable wins earlier in the year over the likes of Villanova and Wisconsin. Back home after brilliance in Florida, the Cougars were back to work this week in Provo.
There wasn’t much drama on Wednesday as the Cougars glided to a 91-60 home win over Cal Baptist. The usual suspect was in full force, as Dybantsa had 22 points, while Keba Keita also had a monster performance with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Talented point guard Robert Wright III also balled out with 15 points and 11 assists himself.
We’ve stressed earlier about the Cougars needing consistency behind Dybantsa, Wright, and Richie Saunders and it looks like Keita is up to that task. Frankly, BYU has one of the most talented starting fives in the nation but it boils down to how much they can get off a bench that still scored only 9 points in that blowout win. They’ll face their next notable test against Clemson in just a few days, but that’s the last big hurdle for BYU before Big 12 play in January.