BYU had a fantastic nonconference slate going 12-1 with quality wins against Villanova, Wisconsin, Miami, Dayton, and Clemson. The purpose of those 13 games was to prepare Kevin Young's squad for the buzzsaw that is Big 12 conference play which tips off on January 3rd against Kansas State.
But before looking ahead to conference play, let's take a look back and give out some superlatives to BYU's key players. Today's spotlight is on junior transfer Kennard Davis.
Kennard Davis's Nonconference Superlative: The Fifth Beatle
The term "the Fifth Beatle" often gets applied to people who played an influential role with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, but they weren't actually part of the band.
Kennard Davis is something of the "Fourth Cougar" in BYU's starting lineup supporting the Big Three of AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Robert Wright III. Those three superstars comprise what is arguably the best threesome in the nation, averaging an combined 57.9 points per game. But basketball is a team sport, and everyone on the court needs to impact the game.
Enter Kennard Davis.
The athletic 6-foot-6 wing transferred to BYU this year from Southern Illinois. While his former school isn't known as a basketball powerhouse, Davis developed himself into one of the highest-profile players in the transfer portal after averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 37.6% from the 3-point line. 247 Sports rated him a 4-star transfer player.
Outside of a brief suspension for violation of team rules, Kennard Davis's transition to Provo is right on schedule. He knows is role and is playing it well. His 8.4 points per game ranks fourth on the team, next behind the Big Three. He's shooting a serviceable 35.8% from the 3-point line on 5.3 attempts per game and playing solid wing defense, averaging 1.3 steals per contest.
What BYU needs from Kennard Davis in Big 12 play
As BYU prepares for the meat grinder that is Big 12 play, they need two things from Kennard Davis:
Steady 3-point shooting and solid wing defense.
If Davis can elevate his 3-point shooting from 35% to closer to 40%, defenses are going to have to pick their poison when BYU has the ball. AD Dybantsa is perhaps the most dynamic scorer in the nation. Richie Saunders and Robert Wright III are both hitting over 40% of their 3-pointers.
With the pressure the Big Three generate, Kennard Davis is going to have multiple open looks from the 3-point line every game. If he can knock them down, BYU's offense could be near unstoppable some nights.
But along with the shooting, BYU needs Davis's outstanding perimeter defense. At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Davis has the size, strength, and agility to guard the opposing team's best perimeter scorer, which can allow Richie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa to catch their breath a bit on defense. Remember, defense is half of the game. While Kennard's true impact on defense can't be fully measured, it is no less impactful.