BYU basketball: McKay Cannon becoming key player for Cougars

BYU basketball has a secret weapon. It’s not their dominating big man, or the Ginger Mamba. Rather, it’s a newly-eligible transfer from Weber State.

McKay Cannon has played in just two games for BYU basketball since being declared eligible by the NCAA after transferring from Weber State.

He’s quickly become a fan favorite, too.

How? It doesn’t take long to find out why.

Cannon plays with the grit and swagger that BYU basketball fans haven’t seen in quite sometime. The closest anyone has come in recent memory was Nick Emery during his freshman season. But Cannon’s lows don’t seem to be quite as low (and one would assume his highs aren’t as high). Still, the sample size is small – so it’s important not to anoint Cannon as the next great Cougar Cager.

On the other hand, it’s impossible not to get excited. Not when Cannon is blocking shots and staring down the shooter, or jaw-jacking with the USU student section, or trash talking the guy he’s guarding.

Not to mention, Cannon brings a ton of experience to a relatively young BYU basketball team. He started 41 games at Weber State and he’s played in the NCAA Tournament.

Not too shabby.

Between two away games (at Utah Valley and at Utah State), Cannon has logged 51 minutes, scored 25 points (6-of-9 shooting, 3-of-4 from 3-point range), dished out eight assists and grabbed five rebounds.

He’s been doing a little it of everything, while remaining extremely efficient.