BYU basketball was a very strong 3-point shooting team last season, as has become customary for the blue-clad Cougs on the hardwood over the years. But as churchball-style hoopers have been replaced with bigger, stronger, and more athletic roster occupiers, it was very clear that BYU basketball under Kevin Young was evolving into something different entirely.
With the departure of several deadly threats beyond the 3-point arc from the team, a major question opened the team wide open despite the injection of incredible talent from top to bottom: is BYU basketball going to struggle with their long-range attacks outside of Richie Saunders? Who would step up and fill the void left by last season's departures?
Well these concerns -- regardless of urgency -- have been quelled with the addition of Tyler Mrus, a transfer from the University of Idaho and possessor of a sweet stroke from beyond the arc.
"Coach Young envisions me as an elite shooter and defender," Mrus shared with Vanquish the Foe, "Being really able to space the court and knock down shots. [...] [I'm] excited and ready to put [in] the work [and] build our way to a championship."
Need a hot hand? Mrus striped it from the 3-point line last season to the tune of 38% efficiency. A high and smooth release will help space the floor for BYU's stars, Saunders, Dybantsa, and Wright, and help as the Cougars work to open their offense to run a pick-and-roll heavy scheme that clears the lane for some exceptional athletes on this year's squad.
Kevin Young must be pleased with the makeup of this roster; this year's team has every piece necessary to satisfy a championship puzzle.