BYU basketball: Previewing the 2017-18 Cougar frontcourt

Believe it or not, BYU basketball is just around the corner. After a down 2017 campaign that ended with Eric Mika’s departure, will the Cougars rebound in 2018?

With BYU football’s injury-plagued season dulling the excitement around Provo, many are turning to the hardwood.

And don’t look now, but BYU basketball is almost back. On October 25, the Cougars will play in their blue/white game. On November 1, they’ll take on Westminster.

It seems that – by and large – many Cougar fans are down on the hoops team this year. That’s understandable, especially considering the most hyped group since Jimmer departed last just one year together.

But, in some ways, being the underdog might work out better for BYU basketball. Forget about expectations and demands, just go play ball.

With the roster seemingly finalized for the 2017-18 season, let’s break it down.

We’ll start with the frontcourt.

Payton Dastrup, Sophomore

2016-17 statistics: 24 games played, 4.3 MPG, 1.1 PPG, 1.3 RPG

Dastrup was perhaps best known for his killer celebrations on the bench last season. But, don’t sleep on the former four-star recruit and Ohio State commit.

He’s a blue-collar big. Not overly flashy, but able to back guys down with some solid footwork.

Dastrup didn’t get too much time last season – and he was a little too quick to shoot when he was on the floor – but he’s a talented 6-foot-9 forward that should carve out a big role as Yoeli Childs’ main replacement.

Defensively he isn’t what Childs is, but his high school tape shows a capable scorer down low.