The bench: To pedestrians, it’s a symbol of comfort and rest. For court justices, it’s a place of authority. Basketball players, however, see it as a dreaded marker of being sidelined—a scarlet letter branding them with inactivity.
But for BYU basketball, the bench is more like the tactical hub for head coach Kevin Young. It’s a stockpile of potential game-changers ready to spring into action and make an impact on the court.
Thanks to a successful use of the transfer portal and top-tier recruiting, the bench is now populated with experienced veterans who can step up and support the starting lineup. These seasoned players add depth and maturity, blending with fresh talent to form a potent second unit.
In short, BYU has a bench that’s a force to be reckoned with, and it’s time to shine a light on that. Let’s take a look at three key players contributing to this strength.
Fousseyni Traore – Forward
A fan favorite since his freshman year, Fouss Traore has been a dominant force in the paint and was a starter until last season, when he was moved to the bench. Despite this shift, he remains one of the Cougars’ most talented forwards, particularly when it comes to offensive skills.
While his size is often an asset, it can sometimes become a disadvantage, especially when it comes to rebounding and defense.
Dallin Hall – Guard
Dallin Hall’s decision to return to BYU after entering the transfer portal was met with huge relief by Cougar fans. As a four-star transfer and last season’s floor general, Hall was expected to continue his steady progress in the upcoming year.
However, the arrival of Egor Demin has added complexity to Hall’s role.
Both Hall and Demin are pass-first point guards, and when they share the floor together, the team’s offensive efficiency tends to suffer, forcing Coach Young to balance their minutes carefully. Despite this, Hall is undeniably a starting-caliber point guard in the Big 12, and BYU is fortunate to have such a player coming off the bench.
Kanon Catchings – Wing
Kanon Catchings joined the Cougars with high expectations, believing he’d be NBA-bound by the end of the season. However, things haven’t gone as smoothly as planned, and he’s seen a reduction in playing time as the conference schedule progresses.
Despite this diminished role, Catchings remains a threat when he finds his rhythm. As a streaky 3-point shooter and an explosive athlete, he’s capable of delivering at least one jaw-dropping moment per game. If he can regain his confidence, it might be tough to keep this wing from soaring.
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