Episode Details

"Chinese Wemby" Shakes Up BYU Basketball—Will Xu Xin Join Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, or Could NIL Lure Him to Provo?

As BYU Basketball intensifies its hunt for a transformative big man, the saga surrounding Xu Xin takes center stage. The player known as “Chinese Wemby” has reportedly accepted an NBA Summer League invite from the San Antonio Spurs, raising urgent questions about whether BYU can secure his commitment or if the Spurs’ interest marks the end of his college eligibility before it begins. Jake Hatch unpacks the complexities of the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, explaining how Xu Xin, at age 22, automatically became NBA draft eligible and, after going undrafted, now holds the freedom to sign as a free agent with any NBA team—including the Spurs. Could a lucrative NIL offer or a desire for further development sway him back toward college hoops?

Exploring BYU’s current recruiting landscape, Jake Hatch details the setbacks, missed chances, and ongoing pursuits for a reliable post presence. With names like Caleb Ourigou—a reclassification candidate currently on an official visit—plus Serbian big man Pavle Backo still in the mix, BYU’s frontcourt remains in flux. The episode digs into the logistical and academic challenges international prospects face with NCAA eligibility and highlights how quickly fortunes can change in today’s NIL-driven, transfer portal world. Would the financial upside of a BYU offer outshine a non-guaranteed NBA contract, or will the prestige of the Spurs and the chance to play and develops alongside Victor Wembanyama prove irresistible for Xu?

The episode further celebrates BYU’s recent NBA talent pipeline. Jake Hatch breaks down Richie Saunders’ selection at #32 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and analyzes why his gritty, high-energy game fits perfectly with a franchise undergoing transition. Keba Keita, meanwhile, lands an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers, offering him a Summer League showcase and an opportunity to secure a G League roster bonus. Listeners also get insight into the futures of AJ Dybantsa and Egor Demin, as BYU’s surge of NBA-caliber prospects rewrites the program’s history.

Are the Cougars on the verge of adding another elite name to their rebuilt roster? Or does the NBA’s global reach mean another international star slips through Provo’s grasp? Stay tuned as Jake Hatch tracks every twist in BYU Basketball’s high-stakes offseason chase.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try