BYU’s Ambitious Basketball Vision: A New Era Begins
PROVO, Utah — Nestled in the picturesque setting of the Rocky Mountains, the Strap Tank Brewery offers a unique dining experience with its half-pound bison burgers and vintage decor. It’s here, in this scenic ski resort-like atmosphere, that Paul Liljenquist, a prominent booster for BYU, made a bold statement. Just days after he and his colleagues pledged nearly eight figures to secure A.J. Dybantsa, ESPN’s No. 1 recruit of the 2025 class, Liljenquist declared, “You’re not going to outbid us.”
Liljenquist, the CEO of Focus Services, a $500 million company based in Utah, is part of a group of wealthy entrepreneurs who have transformed the Salt Lake City area into “Silicon Slopes,” a tech hub that emerged from the early-2000s tech boom. This financial backing allowed BYU to offer the reported $8.5 million sum required to bring Dybantsa to their program.
“You couldn’t do this if the tech boom didn’t happen 20 years ago because you wouldn’t have the donor base now,” Liljenquist explained. “You would just have doctors and attorneys and, well, they’re not writing million-dollar checks.”
BYU, the flagship program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is aiming to redefine its brand as a blue blood in college basketball. The new NIL rules have leveled the playing field, allowing programs like BYU to compete for five-star talent.
“I think BYU basketball can be one of those basketball … powerhouses,” said Cougars guard Dallin Hall. “And so I think that’s something we’re trying to build. I think that’s something that BYU can become, that when you see [BYU], you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s one of the basketball superpowers in the country.'”
But can a recent mid-major team really rise to the level of the sport’s most prestigious programs? A dedicated and financially robust group of supporters is willing to find out, starting with a crucial signing: a new head coach.
When Kevin Young left the Phoenix Suns to take over from Mark Pope last April, BYU’s wealthiest boosters gathered to meet their new leader. Young, known for his work with NBA stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid, presented his vision for BYU basketball.
Young’s presentation, complete with a PowerPoint, resonated with the business-savvy boosters, who left the meeting convinced of his potential. He emphasized his NBA experience, attention to detail, and the financial support needed to elevate BYU basketball, a Big 12 team that recently competed in the West Coast Conference.
Young’s career trajectory is a testament to rapid rises. In 2006, he was coaching in Ireland, and by 2023, he was a top candidate for the Charlotte Hornets‘ head coaching position. His connection to the Mormon church made the BYU opportunity particularly appealing.
Young’s understated communication style has earned him respect from players, including Chris Paul, who praised him as “an unbelievable coach” and “one of the most competitive guys in our locker room.”
Young’s NBA experience has also attracted professional scouts to BYU, with 32 scouts attending a recent game to watch BYU’s Kanon Catchings and Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe in action.
Unlike some veteran coaches who have left college basketball due to NIL challenges, Young embraces the business aspect of the game, drawing on his NBA background.
“I think I’m at a major advantage because I have no points of reference prior to this,” Young said. “I think that has helped me dramatically with the combination of the support we have here. I think they quickly realized that we were going to be able to get things done.”
Just months after Young’s arrival, Dybantsa and his Oakland Soldiers teammates took the court at Peach Jam, capturing the attention of every Division I coach in attendance. Despite offers from elite programs, Dybantsa chose BYU, citing Young’s NBA experience and the program’s development potential.
“A lot stood out on my visit,” Dybantsa said on ESPN’s “First Take.” “He coached my favorite player of all time, Kevin Durant. And [Durant] had high praise about him.”
Dybantsa’s decision was influenced by BYU’s NBA-like infrastructure, including a director of analytics and strategy, a director of player development, and a team of graduate assistants.
While BYU’s honor code and campus demographics present unique challenges, Dybantsa and his family value the program’s NBA preparation.
“My wife and I went to Provo back in April,” said Ace, Dybantsa’s father, on Smith’s podcast. “Kevin Young flew from Phoenix, Arizona, to come and say hello to us. He kind of laid down what he wanted to do, so we listened. And then he continued to have conversations with us. He introduced us to his staff, just like [my son] said. Everything was NBA.”
BYU’s investment in basketball is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and media presence, including a weekly coaching show on BYUtv, a network available to over 50 million homes.
However, history shows that landing a top recruit doesn’t always translate to sustained success. Programs like Oklahoma State, Washington, and LSU have struggled to capitalize on similar opportunities.
Whether BYU can break this trend with Dybantsa remains to be seen. The Cougars are betting on Young’s vision and the support of their boosters to build a lasting legacy.
“I really feel like it’s just this perfect storm that’s converging,” said Liljenquist. “I think Young has built a machine here that I think is going to produce for years and years to come.”
Only time will tell if BYU’s ambitious gamble will pay off.
Originally Written by: Myron Medcalf
