BYU basketball is going to be really good next year. Better than this year (assuming we have everyone we expect to).

We lose Robinson and SJ. Big losses, but replaceable.

We return (in order of importance in my eyes):

1. Richie Saunders - He was our best player over the last month of the season. Physical guard who is quick enough and strong enough to be really good in the Big 12.

2. Dallin Hall - I like Hall, but he played too many minutes this year. We need the last 10 minutes of this game Hall all year. The guy digging in and playing tough defense. Assuming Baker and Chandler come in he will get more rest.

3. Fous/Khalifa combo - With both of them being Seniors, this combo should be one of the best center units in the Big 12 if not the country. Khalifa has great size and passing. Fouss has great footwork. It is a real bummer that neither of them played well today with Khalifa just playing awful. Hopefully Khalifa gets healthy and gets in better shape.

4. Waterman/Knell - I will put them together as they are similar type players. Guys who can knock down open shots and generally try hard on defense. Waterman obviously has great size and Knell is our best shooter when open (although very streaky).


But if you were to put a grade on the guys we have coming in it would be an A+ for this program. The best group we have had in years.

Collin Chandler - Highest rated recruit we have had (very close to Mika) in the modern era. He has good size, great athleticism, a good handle and is a very good shooter.

Marcus Adams - A top 50 rated recruit who brings size to the 3 position. He is extremely skilled. He needs to get back into playing shape.

Dawson Baker - Listen Baker led a team in scoring last year that blew it in their conference tournament or would have been about a 13 seed in this tournament. He can score at 3 levels and brings the skill of slashing to a team that doesn't really have it.

Issac Davis - He has the same body as Yoeli with similar athleticism. Difference is Isaac is much more polished than Yoeli was at this point in their careers.

In all likelihood the best 5 athletes on the team are Saunders and the new 4. So our athleticism will get a jolt. Some of these guys may be rusty or raw, but they have excellent talent that I expect to shine through.