BYU Basketball's Recruitment Notebook: Filling the Roster with Talent
The BYU Cougars are in the midst of a roster overhaul, with 12 players departing and just five returning from last season's squad. This presents an exciting opportunity for the program to rebuild and reload with fresh talent. The question on everyone's mind is: who will fill the remaining 11 spots on the team?
One thing that immediately stands out is the need for size in the frontcourt. With Adam Stewart as the lone true center, the Cougars are actively seeking to add more height and length to their lineup. This is especially important given the injury history in the backcourt, where depth is crucial.
In my opinion, one of the most intriguing prospects is Obinna Ekezie Jr., a 5-star center who is currently the No.4 prospect in the 2027 class. What makes Ekezie particularly fascinating is his unique blend of size, length, and athleticism, combined with a skill set that goes beyond his years. He's an elite lob threat and offensive rebounder, capable of handling the ball and stepping out to the perimeter. Defensively, he's among the best rim protectors in his class, with the timing and discipline to challenge shots without fouling.
The Cougars have been recruiting Ekezie for over a year, and recent developments suggest that they may be in a strong position to land him. With Louisville, USC, and Maryland all showing interest, BYU's persistence and strong relationship with the prospect could pay off. If Ekezie decides to reclassify to the 2026 class, the Cougars will be in a very good spot to secure his commitment.
Another player to watch is Luigi Suigo, a 7'3" center from Italy who plays for Mega Superbet in Serbia. Suigo is averaging impressive numbers in the ABA League, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor. Defensively, he's a capable rim protector who limits angles in pick-and-roll coverage and excels at defending cutters in the paint. Offensively, he operates as a floor-spacing big with a developing three-point shot, strong offensive rebounding, and underrated playmaking ability.
Suigo has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft but is seriously considering playing college basketball. BYU has been recruiting him for over a year and has emerged as one of the favorites to land him, should he decide to withdraw. The timing is crucial, as international players have until June 13 to withdraw from the draft, and BYU must decide whether it can afford to wait that long while filling out the roster.
A third player to monitor is Aly Tounkara, a 7-footer from Arkansas State. Tounkara would give BYU needed size, rim protection, energy, and physicality in the frontcourt. He's an excellent rebounder and has a strong defensive presence, with impressive metrics in DRAPM, block rate, and defensive rebound rate. If he decides to come to Provo, he would likely come off the bench as a backup center.
In the backcourt, BYU is also looking to add more shooting and depth. One guard to keep an eye on is Ethan Copeland, a transfer from Stetson who was one of the best three-point shooters in the country last season. Copeland averaged 15 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists a game and shot a blistering 43% from three. He was 21st in the country in three-pointers made, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities.
Finally, BYU has shown some interest in Derrick Rivers, a crafty 6'0" guard from Dodge City Community College. Rivers averaged 21 points, 3.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds this past season and received NJCAA D1 All-American honors. He is a career 33% three-point shooter and shoots an impressive 86% from the free throw line, adding versatility and consistency to the backcourt.
In conclusion, BYU Basketball is in the midst of an exciting recruitment process, with a mix of high school talent and transfers joining the program. The Cougars are actively seeking to add size, shooting, and depth to their roster, and with a strong coaching staff and a passionate fan base, they are well-positioned to make a splash in the coming years. As the recruitment process unfolds, fans can expect to see a talented and competitive team take the court, ready to make a run at a conference title and a potential NCAA Tournament bid.
