BYU basketball: CBS Sports says Cougars own Utah

CBS Sports said that BYU basketball has geographic dominance in the state of Utah in its “United States of College Basketball” post. What do you think?

BYU basketball the best team in the Beehive State?

Well, not necessarily. However, according to a new CBS Sports article, the Cougars have geographic dominance in the state.

What’s the difference, you ask?

Here’s what Matt Norlander – the author of the piece – had to say about it.

“This is not a list of the 50 best teams this season,” Norlander writes. “We’re merely talking geographical dominance. Who owns the territory.”

Last season, Norlander had the Utah Utes owning the state. Thanks in large part to Kyle Kuzma, who is now suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers. BYU basketball was just behind the Utes.

With Kuzma now in the NBA, the dynamic has swung back to Provo.

Well, at least in theory.

Next: Nick Emery Out Indefinitely

Norlander’s selection of BYU basketball was predicated on the return of junior guard Nick Emery. Now, as we know, Emery won’t be suiting up until the NCAA has finished its investigation.

Who knows how long that will take.

In any event, here’s what Norlander had to say about the Cougars.

“The return of Nick Emery is just enough to put the Cougars ahead of a Utah team that’s going to miss Kyle Kuzma… For BYU, the question is: Can this team get near the level of St. Mary’s and Gonzaga? If so, it will be a bubble team.”

Really, those sentiments seem pretty spot on. I don’t think the Cougars will threaten St. Mary’s and Gonzaga this season – which more than likely means another NIT appearance. But hopefully this season becomes a building year for 2018-19. The team gets a year older, a year more experienced, and ideally that pay dividends next season.

Of course, there’s always a chance that the Cougars play well above expectations. Yoeli Childs staying on the floor will be key, because the team looks really tough to beat when he’s out there. The trouble comes when he’s on the bench – then the offense seems to stall.

BYU basketball begins the regular season on Nov. 11.