BYU basketball's head coach, Kevin Young, put out the word well before the NBA Draft: NBA teams liked what they saw from the Cougars' veteran center Keba Keita.
"And Keba, honestly, has had some great pre-draft workouts, too," Young shared during a media availability. "Everywhere I go, I see NBA people, and they're talking about how good he showed out in his workouts. I think he's someone who's helped himself out in the process and we'll see what that looks like for him, as well."
This was no bluff from the NBA-connected coach, as the Indiana Pacers wasted no time in signing Keita to an Exhibit 10 deal for a chance to show off what he's got at the Summer League. It's far from a guarantee to become an NBA player -- very few Summer League participants walk away with an NBA contract unless they were already a draft pick.
It's twice as challenging to break that mold as an undersized center who can't shoot or dribble. Small rim-running paint protectors are a dime a dozen in the NBA, so Keita will need to differentiate himself on the court this summer.
Undrafted big out of BYU, Keba Kieta, is signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the Indiana Pacers and will be with them for Summer League his agent tells me
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) June 25, 2026
Indiana is getting a fierce competitor in Keita. In his two seasons with the Cougars, he played larger than his frame with an exceptional blend of strentgh and athleticism. He swats errant shots out of the air like a volleyball player -- which he is -- and refuses to relent during his floor time.
I can remember the story that Kevin Young told when the Cougars narrowly escaped rival Utah on the road. Falling into foul trouble, Keita could tell that Young was about to swap him out of the game to preserve his eligibility. He wasn't going to let himself be taken out, though, as he screamed to keep him in the game.
That proved to be the right move in a game where defense came at a premium.
"When I tried to take him out of the game when he got that third foul. He's hte quietest person on planet earth until that moment. He's never yelled louder at me than he did in that moment."
Coach Young smiled, "I loved it."
“When I tried to take him out of the game when he got that 3rd foul. He’s the quietest person on planet earth until that moment. He’s never yelled louder at me than he did in that moment.” 😂
— Church Ball: A BYU Hoops Pod (@churchballpod) January 11, 2026
Kevin Young on Keba Keita pic.twitter.com/9u3zZUC28t
Despite Keita's struggles in his senior season, he's proved to be a critical piece of BYU's vision. Now with a chance to prove his worth at the highest level, I have no doubt he'll show the NBA everything he's got.
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