BYU basketball: Kevin Young misses Big 12 media days with illness

Key Points:

• BYU head coach Kevin Young missed the Big 12 basketball media days due to illness, with assistant coach Tim Fanning stepping in to represent the team alongside key players including returning point guard Rob Wright III and newcomers Collin Chandler and Bruce Branch III.
• The Cougars, picked sixth in the Big 12 preseason poll and ranked No. 25 in the AP rankings, are focusing on daily improvement rather than rankings or title predictions, emphasizing team trust and experience.
• BYU impressed in an exhibition win over Nebraska, showcasing strong defense and a high volume of three-point attempts, with standout performances from newcomers Branch and Chandler and veteran Wright.
• Freshman Bruce Branch and transfer Collin Chandler are seen as excellent fits for BYU’s style, with Chandler expecting a larger offensive role than at Kentucky, and Branch aiming to focus on team success over individual accolades.
• Returning leader Rob Wright highlighted the toughness of the Big 12 conference, noting that every game is competitive regardless of opponent, underscoring the challenge BYU faces this season.