BYU basketball: 3 reasons why BYU can make noise in the WCC tourney

Most BYU basketball fans have resigned themselves to the fact that the Cougars seem destined for the NIT. But, there’s still (a little) hope.

BYU basketball wasn’t what most Cougar fans wanted this year. Many expected an NCAA Tournament appearance. People envisioned the Lone Peak 3 annihilating opponents.

That’s not exactly what BYU basketball gave us.

Instead, we got a young team that often showed its youth.

But, all is not lost. Granted, I don’t see BYU basketball winning the WCC tourney – with the way the Cougars play away from the Marriott Center, I wouldn’t be surprised at any loss – but there are three reasons BYU can still make some noise.

Here they are.

Yoeli Childs is a budding superstar

There was a lot of talk heading into the season about the Lone Peak 3, so Childs – a four-star recruit – slid under the radar.

Now BYU basketball fans are seeing glimpses of just how good Childs can be.

Childs is averaging 9.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, along with 1.1 blocks. He’s explosive and powerful in the post – both offensively and defensively – and he’s emerged as the second-best player on the roster. He’s scored double digits in five of the last six games, including a 23 point, 17 rebound game against USF.

When Childs starts and plays at least 25 minutes, BYU is 12-3. If he stays on the court, BYU will be a tough out in Vegas.