BYU basketball: How the Cougars can be a NCAA Tournament team in 2017-18

A return to Dave Rose basketball

Last season BYU played an inside-out style to maximize the skill set of Eric Mika. It often struggled, since the lack of perimeter shooting allowed teams to pack the paint and dare the Cougars to shoot.

Dave Rose’s offense has always revolved around an uptempo style of play, taking advantage of fast-break opportunities and crisp motion in their half-court sets.

That motion disappeared when the ball went into the post to Mika.

This year, it’s time to get back to the real Dave Rose offense.

Rose, to his credit, has recruited this offseason for just that purpose. He’s brought in Jashire Hardnett, whose speed and passing will create nightmares both in transition and in half-court.

Also incoming is Kajon Brown, an explosive athlete who excels in transition.

He’s brought in Rylan Bergersen, along with the return of Zac Seljaas, to add to the shooting that is necessary for Rose’s offense to succeed.

And don’t count out Payton Dastrup. He’s a talented big with good shooting range. Expect to see him back in basketball shape and a key part of the rotation, playing the same type of role that Noah Hartsock did during the Jimmer years.

The Cougars will miss Mika’s production, there’s no question about that. But more balance, better shooting, and better defense can turn this year’s BYU basketball squad into an NCAA Tournament team.