In my opinion, Keba Keita is the most athletic center BYU has ever had, and quite possibly the most athletic player to ever don the blue and white. His brother is a professional volleyball player in Italy, and I have no doubt they train together because Keba has some HOPS. He has been my favorite big man to watch since either Yoeli Childs or Brandon Davies.
2025 Highlights - Keba Keita
Keita's skill and athleticism is very apparent when you watch him play. Take a look at some of his highlights from this past season.
Keita's High Points of 2024-25
Keita had many high points this season, literally. His best game of the season came in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals when he tallied 14 points and 12 rebounds. Keba carved a decent role for himself this year as a rim protector and lob threat, as you can see in his highlight reel.
The highest point of the season came against Iowa State made a Lebron-esque chasedown block on Nate Hiese. Some have deemed it the "greatest defensive play in BYU basketball history".
keba keita chasedown block; byu vs iowa st pic.twitter.com/yEEOrBObyL
— ◇ (@H00DH3R0) March 5, 2025
Room for Growth
In my eyes, there weren't many low points for Keba this season. He filled the role that BYU and head coach Kevin Young needed him to fill. If there were any low points, they are likely the games where his impact can't be seen much in the box score. He has multiple games scoring fewer than five points, but averaged nearly seven points per game.
Ways to Improve
I see two ways that Keba could elevate his game to another level and join a whole lineup of BYU Cougars likely headed to the NBA draft next season.
1. Improve Ball Control (just a little)
We know that Keba will probably never be a ball-handler, and we don't need him to be. But his game could improve so much more if he had a little bit more ability with the ball in his hands. If we compare his game to Foussenyi Traore's, there is a pretty large gap in that aspect. He could become a large part of the offense if he further developed his post moves.
2. Foul Trouble
I understand, Keba is a rim protector and they give up a lot of fouls. I don't expect that to change. Where he could improve some are the other fouls; reaching in trying to poke the ball away, setting an illegal screen, a late contest after a poor rotation. Those are the types of plays that forced Keba to the bench at times this past season.
With, at the moment, very few bigs on the roster it will be pivotal that Keita can stay out of trouble and on the floor. Not only is he incredibly important on both ends of the court, but it will give incoming freshman Xavion Stanton a chance to learn the ropes with less pressure.
Final Grade
My grade for Keba Keita is a B. I think there are a few things that he could improve on, but overall had an excellent season. I can't wait to see what next year brings for him. -- Aiden Baller