BYU begins a new era in basketball when the Cougars host Houston Christian in the season opener for both teams.
The Cougars joined the Big 12 Conference this season after spending a dozen seasons in the West Coast Conference. Growing pains are expected with the transition to one of the toughest basketball conferences in Division I. BYU was picked to finish 13th in the 14-team league in the preseason, slotted ahead of only fellow newcomer UCF.
“People are doubting us,” BYU center Aly Khalifa said. “I don’t think there’s a better motivation than that.”
The Cougars added two high-profile transfers over the summer. Khalifa spent three seasons at Charlotte and averaged 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season. Dawson Baker, a guard, spent three seasons at UC Irvine and led the Anteaters with 15.3 points per game a year ago.
They join an experienced roster returning several key contributors. Fousseyni Traore led the Cougars in points (12.9) and rebounds (7.8) a season ago.
Spencer Johnson, Jaxson Robinson, and Dallin Hall are all proven threats on the perimeter. The trio combined to make 138 3-pointers last season.
BYU’s schedule is designed to build serious momentum before Big 12 play. The Cougars don’t have a true road game outside of Utah until January.
“You don’t have to go hunt for Quad 1 games or great opponents or great venues or exposure,” BYU coach Mark Pope said. “It’s all here, ever-present for you and you just have to perform.”
Houston Christian’s trip to Provo marks the first of four contests against Big 12 opponents this season. The Huskies scratched out only 10 wins a season ago and were picked to finish eighth in the Southland Conference preseason poll.
Bonke Maring is a preseason all-Southland first-team selection for Houston Christian after he averaged 13 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals as a junior last season. Maring earned league all-defensive team honors after ranking second in total blocks and blocked shots per game.
–Field Level Media
