As BYU basketball completes the first four games of the season, an impressive performance has garnered attention from analytics and ranking systems. The win against San Diego State, coupled with three additional victories by a margin of 43 points or more, positions BYU at 14th in KenPom and an impressive 10th in Evan Miya’s rankings. Notably, San Diego State’s subsequent triumph over Saint Mary’s adds value to BYU’s earlier win, enhancing their standing. The potential inclusion in the upcoming AP Top 25 adds an extra layer of anticipation.
Upcoming Challenges in Vegas:
The competition intensifies in the coming week as BYU faces two Power 6 opponents in Las Vegas. The team is set to clash with Arizona State late Thursday night, followed by a matchup against either NC State or Vanderbilt on Friday. While a comprehensive breakdown is forthcoming, early indications favor BYU as the betting favorite. Arizona State, despite possessing talented athletes and guards, has displayed less-than-impressive performances in their initial two games. KenPom’s ranking of ASU at 95th suggests BYU holds an 11-point advantage.
Friday’s potential opponent, NC State, presents a more formidable challenge. With three victories by an average of 22 points, albeit against less challenging opponents, NC State features three capable guards and the imposing 6-foot-9, 275-pound DJ Burns. KenPom ranks NC State at 53, while Vanderbilt lags behind at 135.
Other Non-Conference Contenders:
BYU’s non-conference schedule includes a notable matchup against Utah on December 9. The game promises to be a stern test, particularly considering Utah’s standout performers Branden Carlson and Gabe Madsen. Madsen’s recent 29-point showcase against Houston, sinking eight threes, underscores his potential impact. Below are KenPom rankings for other non-conference opponents, along with their movements since the previous Sunday:
– Fresno State, 12/1 (SLC) — 119 (-6)
– Evansville, 12/5 — 240 (+77)
– Denver, 12/13 — 264 (+18)
– Georgia State, 12/16 — 201 (-7)
– Bellarmine, 12/22 — 204 (+33)
– Wyoming, 12/30 — 183 (+28)
Also Read: BYU’s Unique Football Culture: Rivalry Extends Beyond the Field
Big 12 Overview:
As of Saturday, Big 12 teams collectively boast an impressive 44-6 record for the season. Notably, half of the losses come from Oklahoma State, holding a ranking of 98 in KenPom. Houston leads the pack at 1 in KenPom, contributing to the overall strength of the conference. Kansas claims the top spot in the AP Poll.
In summary, BYU’s basketball journey is unfolding with promising performances and challenging matchups, setting the stage for an intriguing and competitive season ahead.
