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BYU basketball makes Fox Sports’ way-too-early Top 25 poll

By Nathan Cunningham

March 6, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; BYU Cougars forward Eric Mika (12) shoots the basketball against Saint Mary's Gaels center Jock Landale (34) during the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 6, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; BYU Cougars forward Eric Mika (12) shoots the basketball against Saint Mary's Gaels center Jock Landale (34) during the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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BYU basketball cracked Fox Sports’ ‘way-too-early’ Top 25 poll for next season. Wait. What is happening?

The University of North Carolina defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 71-65 less than 24 hours ago to win the National Championship. So, naturally, there are already Top 25 polls out for next season. Surprisingly, BYU basketball checks in.

Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres published “College basketball’s ‘Way Too Early’ Top 25 for the 2017-18 season” today, with BYU basketball coming in at No. 22.

Here’s what Torres had to say about the Cougars.

“Believe it or not, one of the most intriguing NBA Draft decisions will actually come from Provo, courtesy of forward Eric Mika. The junior seems to want to say in the draft, but considering he isn’t projected to be picked in either round it seems as though he will come back. Assuming he does, the Cougars will get back a near double-double machine (he averaged 20 points and nine boards a game in 2017) and will join TJ Haws on a team which should start the year somewhere in the Top 25.”

Wow, that’s a lot to take in.

Mika or no Mika. That is the question.

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

To begin, he might not be wrong. I’m not as bullish on Mika’s NBA future (as of right now) as many are – but part of that might be due to skepticism. This isn’t the first time a BYU player has looked to go pro, gets talked up, then never makes it.

Ultimately, if Mika walks away from BYU basketball, no one can blame him. The odds of winning a title in Provo are slim, and if he wants to make pro money, who are we to scoff?

That being said, everything that’s come out of Mika’s mouth indicates he’s leaving.

Which kind of wrecks the No. 22 ranking.

BYU basketball’s roster next season is a step down from this years. Unless Dave Rose secures a graduate transfer, the center spot is up in the air. Maybe BYU plays Zac Seljaas at the four and Yoeli Childs and center. The super-small lineup is intriguing, but there’s minimal depth there.

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It’s not often that BYU sports a star so big that his absence could derail a season, but Mika is just that good.

Not to take anything away from the talent that’s on the roster, but he’s just not a guy you replace with ease.

It’s also worth noting that St. Mary’s and Gonzaga were ranked as well. The Gaels checked in at No. 15, and the Zags at No. 7.

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