BYU has made its way into the Sweet 16, a rare feat for the Cougars, as 2011 is the last time they made it this far. Their thrilling 91-89 upset over No. 3 Wisconsin showcased their high-potential offense.
With the transfer portal opening on Monday, March 24, BYU has the opportunity to make history. Equipped with solid NIL funding, BYU could turn this milestone into a Final Four push next season.
BYU Can Use Their NIL Money To Make the Dream Team This Season
The Cougars’ offense is a force, ranking 8th in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. They shoot well, sitting 27th-best in three-point percentage and an impressive fifth-best in two-point shooting.
Players like Richie Saunders and Trevin Knell light up the scoreboard. Saunders averages 16.3 points per game, hitting 43.1% from deep. Knell complements him, sinking 44% of his three-point attempts.
BYU is in the Sweet 16 and the transfer portal opens Monday. this is a school with enough NIL money to make a Final Four run next year.
— Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) March 23, 2025
Yet, their defense lags. BYU ranks 72nd in adjusted defensive efficiency. Opponents exploit their weakness beyond the arc, shooting 35% from three, placing the Cougars at 249th nationally. Inside, their two-point defense ranks a modest 112th. This gap could derail their momentum against top teams like Alabama, their next Sweet 16 foe.
The transfer portal offers a fix. BYU needs a defensive stopper, someone to clamp down on perimeter threats. A versatile forward or guard who can guard multiple positions would shore up their backline.
Adding a rebounding big man could also help. Fousseyni Traore and Keba Keita are efficient, but the extra size would boost their 41-rebound performance against the Badgers.
Offensively, depth is key. Egor Demin dazzles with 5.4 assists per game and a 34.3 assist rate, ranking 34th nationally. He creates plays effortlessly. Pairing him with another ball-handler could ease the load.
A transfer guard with playmaking potential would keep the offense running, especially in tight games. BYU’s 21 assists against Wisconsin prove they thrive when the ball moves. NIL money gives BYU an edge in this hunt. They can attract talent eager to join a rising program. Head coach Kevin Young sees the potential.
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“I’m happy for our guys and our fans,” Youn said after the upset. “What a great basketball game.” Saunders echoed the sentiment, “I’m getting a little choked up. … This is something I dreamed of.”
Now, Young can sell that vision to recruits.
The Cougars’ fast-paced and shot-heavy style suits the modern game. They controlled the tempo against Wisconsin, building a 47-36 halftime lead. A few strategic additions could make them unstoppable. With the right moves, the Final Four isn’t just a dream for BYU; it’s a target.
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