BYU throttled high-ranking in their opening game Tuesday night to get their first win of the season, as well as the first win of the Kevin Young era. Coach Young had a masterful offseason, bringing in impactful transfers and high-ranking freshmen while returning a good chunk of last year's core.
This series of rankings will be evaluating the players who took the floor after every game, and include the total season standings throughout. Pretty simple concept. Without further ado, let's see who stood out Tuesday night.
1. Egor Demin
The team-high for the freshman out of Moscow, but he somehow delivered and then added some. Demin finished with a team high 18 points and 11 assists, showing off his highly praised passing while adding in impressive shooting as well (4-7 from 3).
BYU was able to create a lot of its main separation in the span of just one minute in the first half, where he assisted on two straight baskets, and then got a steal and layup to stretch the lead to double figures. Another moment of brilliance came out of the second half.
Demin splashed in a three from deep NBA range, then got a steal and a highlight slam on the very next possession. He’ll have the attention of NBA scouts all season long, and Tuesday night, he showed why.
2. Richie Saunders
Saunders will be one of the main beneficiaries of Demin’s passing and vision this season. He hit three 3s on the night, all assisted by Demin. Even when he wasn’t using his jumper, Saunders made a living driving to the basket and scoring with a variety of finishes. He ended up with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and was his usual untiring self on defense.
3. Kanon Catchings
Catchings was an explosive scorer all night, finishing with 17 points on 6-13 shooting, and 4-11 from three. He had no fear in his shot selection, which at times may have been costly, but at other times quite favorable. He also utilized his length to record three impressive blocks
4. Keba Keita
While he only saw 17 minutes and made just two shots from the field, Keita was terrific in his more limited time. The Utah transfer grabbed four offensive rebounds and ten in total, setting the tone on the boards that the rest of the Cougars would follow. He will definitely feast as an extremely athletic roll man this year.
5. Fousseyni Traore
With a very similar statline, it’s only fitting that Traore checks in right next to Keita. Despite his different style (less rim running and more post ups), the senior also finished with six points and four offensive rebounds, while getting a powerful dunk of his own. The Cougars should be in great frontcourt shape with him and Keita this year.
6. Mihailo Boskovic
It was an efficient night for the Serbian freshman, who delivered 11 points on 5-7 shooting. The Cougars were certainly relieved to see him on the floor after a few weeks of eligibility concerns. One of the tallest shooters on the team, Boskovic also displayed his athleticism and finishing ability, with an impressive reverse layup midway through the second half.
7. Trevin Knell
Consistency will be the theme all season long for Knell, after a red hot start and mostly cold finish last year. Tuesday night’s effort was somewhere in the middle, with 8 points on 2-6 three point shooting.
8. Mawot Mag
Mag didn’t get a ton of time Tuesday, but splashed in a 3 pointer and had two offensive boards. His role will be interesting to follow, especially if Keita or Traore go down.
9. Elijah Crawford
The freshman moved up a spot on the depth chart with the absence of Dallin Hall, playing 11 minutes in the backup point guard spot. It wasn’t a ton of time, but Crawford was pretty active on the stat sheet, recording three offensive rebounds, two steals, and an assist. The offense might not be there this early, but Coach Young showed he will look to Crawford to play some tight, full court defense when needed.
10. Dawson Baker
Baker had a more forgettable game, going 0-7 from the field. His shot wouldn’t fall for him Tuesday night, and sometimes, that’s just how it goes. Baker’s been praised by coaches and teammates throughout the offseason, and there is more than enough time for him to find his rhythm.
Season Standings
Points are assigned in inverse order for the top 10. 1st place = 10 points, 2nd place = 9 points, etc.
1. Egor Demin, 10 points
2. Richie Saunders, 9
3. Kanon Catchings, 8
4. Keba Keita, 7
5. Fousseyni Traore, 6
6. Mihailo Boskovic, 5
7. Trevin, Knell, 4
8. Mawot Mag, 3
9. Elijah Crawford, 2
10. Dawson Baker, 1