BYU's Pursuit of Another Big Man Enters Critical Phase
BYU head basketball coach Kevin Young is racing against the clock to finalize his recruiting efforts for a big man, with a crucial window of offseason conditioning and team-building exercises fast approaching.
The Cougars have made a step in the right direction with the commitment of 6-foot-9 Polish big man Jakub Urbaniak, but questions remain about whether he's the answer to their post position woes.
Young has emphasized the importance of landing another big man, citing admission and visa hurdles that have slowed the process. He hopes to add another center in the coming weeks, with fans eager to see if he'll be an upgrade over Urbaniak.
Urbaniak's game has drawn praise from fans, with Cougar Insiders writer Jackson Payne noting that he's a solid rim protector and can stretch the defense with his three-point range. Payne also pointed out that Urbaniak's 6-foot-9 stature isn't a concern, as he's taller than BYU's starting center from last season, Keba Keita.
Meanwhile, Dick Harmon of the Cougar Insiders also likes the addition of Urbaniak, citing his experience, scoring ability, and athleticism. Harmon hopes that Young will bring in another center, one who can provide a bigger presence in the paint.
BYU has struggled to find a dominant big man since the departure of Matt Haarms, a 7-foot-3 Dutch transfer. The Cougars have relied on smaller post players, including 6-6 Fouss Traore and 6-7 Keita.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the Cougars' post position for the upcoming season. If Young can land another big man, it could be a game-changer for the team's chances in the NCAA Tournament.
The Cougars will have to wait and see if they can overcome the visa and admission hurdles to finalize their roster. With the season fast approaching, the clock is ticking for Young to make the necessary additions to his team.
Source: Yahoo Sports