What we do know: Burgess left to take a position with team North. Caleb Lohner said see ya later and transferred to Baylor. Alex Barcello has no more eligibility left. Numerous players on the cougars roster have also left the program entering the transfer portal. Gideon George was among those to declare for the transfer portal but has since removed his name from it. Does this raise an eyebrow how Coach Pope has been handling the program and it's players with so many leaving? Before, I would have said no. However, when oft injured Gavin Baxter decided to "unretire" from basketball and enter the transfer portal it certainly opened my eyes when there may have been no chance of playing anyway due to the health/previous injuries. Pope did say previously that they have the best locker room in America and that doesn't shed a positive light now. It certainly may be time to take a look at the coach, the culture and how the program might be run.
What parts remain on the roster?
6.9 F Atiki Ally Atiki, Tanzania-London Basketball Academy
6.5 G Spencer Johnson, American Fork, SLCC
6.5 G Trevin Knell, Woods Cross
6.6 F Gideon George, New Mexico JC
6.6 GF Seneca Knight, LSU, New Orleans
6.6 PF Fousseyni Traore, Mali, Wasatch Academy
Incoming (back from missions)
6.3 PG Dallin Hall, Fremont HS
6.5 G Richie Saunders, Wasatch Academy
6.5 G Tanner Toolson, Vancouver, Evergreen HS
Where does the incoming production come from? Dallin was previously named Utah's "Mr Basketball: who averaged 22.6 ppg with 7.6 rebs and 7.1 asts. Saunders, from Riverton averaged 18.8 as a sophomore before heading to Wasatch Academy. His AAU coach was Marty Haws who said he can score on all levels and stuff a stat sheet rather well. Toolson through 14 games as a senior put up 22 ppg, 8.6 rebs and shot 46% from the three land. He has a rather quick release and his ability to shoot from area code J may put him on the court sooner than later. Although, these three as much talent they have is asking a lot from freshman typically.
Can Pope land some talent from the transfer portal? We shall see. The cougs have previously hit the portal with names such as: Jake Toolson, Michael Lloyd, DeMarcus Harrison, Frank Bartley, and Matt Carlino to name a few. There are certainly some possible options. Pope already entertained JUCO player of the year who unfortunately decided to take his talents and sign elsewhere. Three names to keep an eye on that Pope is still making a push for include: Antoine Davis, Frederick Young and Rudi Williams.
Antoine Davis is from Detroit Mercy 6-1 PG who an certainly score pretty much at will and create his own shot averaging 24.6 ppg, 4.3 ast with 41% shooting and 36% from three land. He will be visiting BYU this week with the coaching staff hoping to make a great impression. Antoine would step in immediately where Barcello left.
Frederick King 6-10, 220 signed initially with Louisville (4star) but that was off the board with the Cardinals coaching staff change. He just took the visit to BYU this last weekend and from what have heard may have a decision in early may with that choice possibly coming down to Creighton or BYU. Frederick just finished his official visit to Creighton before stopping in at Provo. Fingers crossed. King would see significant time from day one.
Lastly, Rudi Williams a 6-2 PG from Coastal Carolina who will be visiting on the 27th. He already friends apparently with Gideon George from the JUCO days) which is a great start and certainly can't hurt. He started at JUCO, then to Kansas State, transferring last year to the Chanticleer's. Last season he averaged 14.7 ppg with 4.2 rebs. 3.7 asts and 45% from 3. Yes, 45% (ranked 12th nationally according to KenPom).
Will BYU land them all or who will Pope get? Who knows at this point. Although, in my view, the cougs seriously need some big man help and could use a PG with previous experience. How will the revamped roster look? It remains to be seen what Coach Pope can get from the portal. Typically when one puts in the work we would hope to see the results. The next few weeks will be critical and this is Y.
